Carlos Alcaraz, 22, survived a grueling five-set duel in his Wimbledon 2023 opener against Italy's Fabio Fognini, edging through 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 under scorching London sun. The match lasted 4 hours 37 minutes, extending the defending champion's winning streak to 19 matches.
Fognini, 38, making his farewell Wimbledon appearance, tested Alcaraz's resolve with blistering volleys and court craft, pushing the World No. 2 to the brink. Alcaraz admitted after the match, 'I knew it would be tough… Fabio showed some of his best tennis today.' Despite early service struggles, he closed out the decider emphatically.
Opening day also featured two top-10 upsets. Denmark's eighth seed Holger Rune fell to Chile's Nicolas Jarry in five sets, and ninth seed Daniil Medvedev was upset by France's Benjamin Bonzi. Meanwhile, fifth seed Taylor Fritz saw his comeback halted by an evening curfew, postponing a potential decider against France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Alcaraz now faces British wildcard Oliver Tarvet in round two, aiming for a third straight Grand Slam title. Centre Court promises more drama as the young Spaniard blends power, poise, and plenty of momentum.
Reference(s):
Defending champion Alcaraz labors to first round victory at Wimbledon
cgtn.com
