Alcaraz survives Fognini scare in Wimbledon opener
Carlos Alcaraz overcame a severe test from Italian veteran Fabio Fognini on Monday, surviving a five-set battle to launch his pursuit of a third consecutive Wimbledon title.
The 22-year-old Spaniard prevailed 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in a gruelling four-hour, 37-minute first-round match on Centre Court, marking the first time since 2010 a defending champion was dragged to a fifth set in the opening round.
“First of all, I don’t know why it is probably Fabio’s last Wimbledon because the level he has shown shows he can still play for three or four more years,” Alcaraz said. “Playing on Centre Court for the first match of any tournament is never easy. I just tried to play my best but I would say that I could play better.”
Alcaraz weathered 62 unforced errors and broke early in the decider, roaring “vamos” after saving break points to seize control. Despite Fognini’s inspired resistance, the world No. 3 extended his perfect Grand Slam first-round record to 18-0.
He will next face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, aiming to edge closer to joining Wimbledon legends Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic with three consecutive titles.
(Source: AFP)
