Alcaraz Escapes Fognini Upset in Five-Set Battle as Fan Collapses During Wimbledon Opener
LONDON — Carlos Alcaraz avoided a stunning first-round exit at Wimbledon on Monday after surviving a grueling five-set battle against Italy’s Fabio Fognini in record-setting heat that left a spectator in need of medical attention.
Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, eventually defeated Fognini 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in four hours and 35 minutes. The match paused midway through the deciding set when a fan sitting near Centre Court fainted due to the 32.3°C heat. Alcaraz responded immediately, offering a bottle of cold water before medical staff arrived.
“I just wanted to help,” said Alcaraz after the match. “It’s never easy to see someone struggle like that during your match.”
The 22-year-old Spaniard entered the tournament as the second seed behind Italy’s Jannik Sinner. Despite claiming the French Open title earlier this month and lifting the Queen’s trophy on grass, Alcaraz struggled with rhythm and consistency against the seasoned Fognini.
Alcaraz landed less than half of his first serves and committed numerous unforced errors, allowing the 38-year-old Italian to take the second and fourth sets. Fognini’s return game and variety kept Alcaraz off balance and frustrated throughout.
“Playing in such high heat is tough,” Alcaraz admitted. “It affects your energy and concentration, especially when the rallies get long. I didn’t play my best, but I fought.”
Fognini, who announced plans to retire this season, showed flashes of his trademark brilliance. His mix of angles and touch shots unsettled Alcaraz, and his flair drew consistent roars from a packed Centre Court.
At the start of the fifth set, the match briefly lightened when Fognini jokingly threatened to strike a ball at Alcaraz, prompting laughter between the players. But the mood turned quickly when the medical emergency occurred.
After play resumed, Alcaraz locked in, storming through the final set with focused aggression to close out the win.
“Fabio played amazing tennis. I’m sad this was probably his last Wimbledon,” said Alcaraz. “He showed today he could still play for another three or four years.”
After the final point, Alcaraz led the crowd in applauding Fognini, who tossed his shoes into the stands as a farewell gesture. Fognini, once ranked No. 9 in the world, reached the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2011 and famously defeated Rafael Nadal twice on clay.
Alcaraz will now face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the second round. Tarvet advanced after a straight-sets win over Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi.
Boulter and Kartal Shine on Record-Breaking Day for British Tennis
Monday also marked a historic day for British tennis. Seven British players advanced to the second round the highest number on opening day in the Open era. Among them were Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Emma Raducanu, Cameron Norrie, Arthur Fery, Oliver Tarvet, and Billy Harris.
Boulter delivered a career-defining win on Centre Court, beating former world No. 2 Paula Badosa 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. The 28-year-old said the atmosphere made it unforgettable.
“As a Brit on Centre Court against a top-10 player, it doesn’t get much better,” Boulter said. “It’s why I play tennis to compete in matches like this.”
Earlier in the day, Kartal overcame 20th seed Jelena Ostapenko 7-5, 2-6, 6-2. The 23-year-old, who reached the third round last year as a wildcard, has climbed over 200 places in the rankings since then.
“That was one of the toughest matches I’ve played,” Kartal said. “I’ve worked hard to get results like this against big hitters.”
Not all Brits advanced. Harriet Dart lost to Dalma Galfi in three sets. Sixteen-year-olds Hannah Klugman and Mika Stojsavljevic also exited, both falling to higher-ranked opponents in straight sets.
A total of 23 British players made the singles main draw this year the most since 1984.
Alcaraz and the British contingent will be back in action Wednesday as Wimbledon heads into a loaded second round.
