WIMBLEDON – Men’s Singles
Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, began his Wimbledon 2025 campaign with a hard-fought win over Italy’s Fabio Fognini. In the third Grand Slam of the season, the Spaniard prevailed 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 and will now face British wildcard Oliver Tarvet in the second round.
The match was a thriller, as Alcaraz had to dig deep to extend his impressive streak. The three-time Grand Slam winner showed grit and athleticism against an inspired Fognini, who may have played the final Wimbledon match of his career.
Fognini, 38, first played on Centre Court 13 years ago, facing Roger Federer. On Monday, he returned to the same stage to face Alcaraz, accompanied in the stands by close friends, his wife Flavia Pennetta, and their two children. He has not won an ATP match since October of last year and has hinted that this could be his final season on tour. After the match, Fognini revealed, “I cried in the locker room,” underscoring the emotional weight of the moment.
This was Alcaraz’s third five-set debut at Wimbledon. In 2021, he went the distance against Uchiyama, and in 2022, he came from two sets to one down to defeat Struff. Still, the 21-year-old has never lost a first-round match in a Grand Slam (now 18-0) and is currently riding a 19-match winning streak.
His next opponent, Oliver Tarvet, is a relatively unknown British player, and this will mark their first career meeting.
Wimbledon: The Temple of Tennis
Wimbledon is not just another Grand Slam – it is the Grand Slam. As the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, its tradition, history, and mystique elevate it above the rest. For players, winning Wimbledon often represents the pinnacle of a tennis career – the moment that defines their legacy. From the pristine grass courts of the All England Club to the strict all-white dress code, every detail of Wimbledon reflects tennis in its purest form.
Legends are made here – from Björn Borg and Pete Sampras to Serena Williams and Roger Federer. For Carlos Alcaraz, lifting the trophy on Centre Court last year was not just another title; it was a crowning moment in his young career. Defending a Wimbledon title carries immense weight, and surviving battles like the one against Fognini only deepen the connection between player, tournament, and history.