Carlos Alcaraz, the current Wimbledon champion, did not have an easy start to the tournament. After four hours and 27 minutes of epic battle, the Spaniard broke the resistance of the legendary 37-year-old Italian Fabio Fognini with a score of 7-5, 6-7, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. Five sets, five wins – Alcaraz remains undefeated in matches that go the distance. Fognini, the veteran Italian tennis player, played his last match at Wimbledon and received long ovations from the crowd after leaving the court.
The first set was a real tennis drama – both players held their serves, and Alcaraz saved as many as five break points. Fognini managed to defend break points twice but failed the third time. The second set brought even more fight, with breaks on both sides and a tiebreak that Fognini won fiercely, showing that age is no barrier to his fighting spirit.
The third set was pivotal, with breaks on both sides, but Alcaraz managed to turn it around and lead 2-1 in sets. Fognini did not give up, convincingly won the fourth set, but in the fifth set, only Alcaraz dominated, calmly closing out the match.
This match was not just a fight to advance to the next round but also a farewell to a tennis great. Fognini showed heart and fighting spirit on the court, and the crowd rewarded him with long applause. In the next round, Alcaraz will face local player Oliver Tarvet.
If you thought tennis was boring, this match proved otherwise! Five sets, four hours and 27 minutes of tension, twists, and fight until the last breath. What do you think – can anyone stop this young Spanish champion? Drop a comment, let’s see who the real tennis expert is!
