Tue Jul 01 12:50:00 UTC 2025: **Alcaraz Survives Fognini Thriller in Wimbledon Opener**
**LONDON** – Carlos Alcaraz battled past veteran Fabio Fognini in a five-set Wimbledon epic on Tuesday, winning 7-5, 6-7, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. The nearly five-hour match saw Fognini, in his final Wimbledon appearance, receive a standing ovation from the Centre Court crowd. Alcaraz, the defending champion, praised the 38-year-old Italian’s performance, saying, “I have to give him all the credit, he played a great match.”
The match was temporarily halted in the fifth set due to a spectator requiring medical attention. Alcaraz will face Briton Oliver Tarvet in the second round.
First Piper 