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Carlos Alcaraz vs. Fabio Fognini final score, Wimbledon result: Defending champion scrapes into second round

Dan Gibbs

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Carlos Alcaraz vs. Fabio Fognini final score, Wimbledon result: Defending champion scrapes into second round image

WIMBLEDON, LONDON — Carlos Alcaraz had to overcome 38-year-old Fabio Fognini in five sets as he got his Wimbledon title defence underway.

The Spaniard took four and a half hours to see off the veteran, winning 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 to set up a match against Wimbledon debutant Oliver Tarvet. 

Alcaraz became the first defending champion to go five sets in the opening round at Wimbledon since Roger Federer in 2010 and was far from his best in the early stages.

With a first serve percentage of just 53% in the first set, and 36 unforced errors across the opening two, Fognini treated fans on Centre Court to plenty of excitement.

The world No.138 went toe-to-toe with the two-time Wimbledon champion to force a fifth set but Alcaraz finally started to find his groove late on.

He'll be back on Wednesday against British qualifier Tarvet, who beat Switzerland's Leandro Riedi 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

WATCH: Wimbledon 2025 LIVE in US on Fubo (free trial)

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Fabio Fognini Wimbledon 2025 final score, result

Set12345
Carlos Alcaraz (2)76 (5)726
Fabio Fognini 57 (7)561

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Fabio Fognini live updates, highlights from Wimbledon 2025

*denotes on serve

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 Fognini - Alcaraz wins fifth set and the match!

Alcaraz has turned it up a notch in this set. His serve has improved and his confidence is up as he plays a drop shot to get him to 30-0. Fognini is soon level though and the crowd are willing him on. Alcaraz finally gets match point though and Fognini's return into the net seals the match.

Both players share a lovely embrace at the net. A big sigh of relief from Alcaraz as he claps Fognini in the middle of the court.

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 5-1 Fognini*

Serving to stay in the match, he's made to work for his opening two points by a lively Alcaraz still with plenty in the tank. The Spaniard means business though and is soon level. A delightful backhand winner across the court followed by a forehand winner sees him make Alcaraz serve for the match.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 5-0 Fognini

The world No.2 wants this wrapped up now, a couple of aces puts him 40-0 up and a brutal serve down the middle has him a game away from the second round.

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 4-0 Fognini*

The brief pause in play hasn't disrupted Fognini's rhythm as he goes 40-0 up. Sadly for him, it's not impacted his opponent as he rattles off four quick points. The end looks to be in sight now as Alcaraz eventually breaks him.

Play suspended

There's been a brief pause in play due to a crowd incident. Alcaraz went over to hand the staff a bottle of water to tend to the spectator.

Both players have remained on court and Wimbledon staff have gathered by the spectator with umbrellas to attend the fan who appears to have fallen ill.

The spectator has been carried out of their seat and hopefully they'll be ok in these hot temperatures (32C right now). Play is now set to resume.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 3-0 Fognini

Brilliant tennis by the Italian gets him to 0-40 and three break points for an instant response. Alcaraz saves all three with bold serving and gets a crucial hold. Three games away.

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 2-0 Fognini*

Alcaraz raises his arm in frustration as the ball pings off the top of the net and unsettles him. At 40-30, Fognini's backhand effort goes beyond the base line twice in succession to give his opponent a break point to which the Spaniard gleefully accepts with a volley at the net.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 2-0 Fognini

Flashes of the brilliance Alcaraz has in his locker come out in the opening two points with some fierce forehands from the baseline. More clenched fist celebrations too as he holds serve despite double faulting en route.

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6 Fognini* - Fognini wins fourth set!

Flat-footed returns from Alcaraz see Fognini go 30-0. A weak backhand into the net puts him on the ropes as the crowd roar on Fognini and his three set points! He only needs one though as Alcaraz hits long and we're going to a fifth set!

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-5 Fognini

Fognini looks relaxed on the baseline as he hits another difficult return but then wastes his next opportunity by firing an easy forehand long, 40-30. Alcaraz's wayward shot on the next point draws gasps as it clangs off his racket onto the roof! Facing being broken again, he then rattles off an ace. But at the next time of asking he takes it as Alcaraz's awkward shot from close range goes just wide. Fognini will now serve to take us to a fifth set!

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-4 Fognini*

Rallies don't last long to get us to 30-30 and Fognini ensures a long rally isn't on the cards again as he smashes an overhead into the corner. He gets an important hold.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-3 Fognini

Great agility and speed from Fognini to reach a shot at the net leaves Alcaraz on the floor! Alcaraz is soon chasing shadows again as he can't return a well-placed volley from his opponent. Fognini gets lucky with a net cord to bring up break point and he takes it! Alcaraz with a rush of blood to the head there as he puts too much power on a forehand.

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-2 Fognini*

Fognini's not rolling over and he hits a wonderful drop shot to get to 40-30 before holding serve with a volley at the net.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-1 Fognini

0-30 gives Fognini hope he's still in this but the next point leaves him on the floor, such is the brutality of facing the Alcaraz juggernaut. He sees the funny side though and briefly lays down, inviting the crowd to take a picture! Alcaraz eventually saves two break points but every time he looks close to holding serve, the 38-year-old unleashes a winner out of nowhere. Brilliant resilience but Alcaraz eventually takes it.

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 1-1 Fognini*

Another tweener from Fognini, this time it does lead to him winning the point and into a 40-0 lead. But he follows that up with a double fault and a groan from the crowd. The next serve is too much for Alcaraz though, 1-1.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 1-0 Fognini

Alcaraz looks to have the first game wrapped up without breaking a sweat until Fognini forces him into back-to-back errors but the Spaniard's sliced drop shot seals the opener in the fourth.

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5 Fognini* - Alcaraz wins third set!

Alcaraz gets set point with a lovely drop shot Fognini can't get to. Fognini saves with a precise volleyed winner but then double faults at the worst time. Fognini then fires into the net and Alcaraz takes the third set and screams into the floor to release some emotion. Onto the fourth we go.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 6-5 Fognini

Alcaraz's serve is becoming more consistent now and he gets to 40-0 before Fognini's error closes the game. Can Alcaraz avoid another tie-break?

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 5-5 Fognini*

An ace takes Fognini to 30-0. What looks like a backhand winner from Alcaraz is actually narrowly out, much to the surprise of the crowd, 40-0. Tough battling from the world No.2 sees him win the next two points before Fognini closes out. 

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 5-4 Fognini

At 15-30, Alcaraz's athleticism isn't quite there as he stretches for a volley and now has break points of his own to save. He saves one that leaves Fognini on the floor but he's back up ok. He has no answers to another powerful serve but Fognini then wins point of the match. Back and forth they go but Fognini proves superior at the net with his volley and he laps up the applause. He deserves the break for that point alone and gets it as Alcaraz fires wide!

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 5-3 Fognini*

The first tweener attempt of the match comes from Fognini but it's sadly into the net. He has bigger problems though, soon facing two break points. He saves them both before Alcaraz waves his arms in frustration as his forehand effort can't find a way over. Alcaraz soon has another and takes it. "Vamos" he shouts!

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 4-3 Fognini

At 15-30, Alcaraz hits a simple forehand long and Fognini has another two break points. Alcaraz saves one with a delicate drop shot and the second with an ace. Fognini is enjoying himself out there as he shows age is just a number to reach a drop shot and place it beyond Alcaraz. He soon has break point again but Alcaraz holds firm with an ace to hold serve.

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 3-3 Fognini*

Fognini puts an end to Alcaraz's seven consecutive points with some lovely volleys once again. Alcaraz is made to run side to side and Fognini gets the hold.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 3-2 Fognini

Alcaraz means business right now and it's all going his way as he gets to 40-0 before a strong Fognini return stops him in his tracks. A text =book winner into the back corner seals the game.

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 2-2 Fognini*

A great response from the Spaniard as he races to 0-40 lead. He breaks to love and that'll give him some confidence.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 1-2 Fognini

A lovely disguise of a drop shot shows off Alcaraz's creativity to go 30-15. Fognini responds with power, an overhead smash right down the middle, 30-30. Alcaraz drop shots again, 40-30, before double faulting. Not often you see Alcaraz doing all the running but that's exactly what's happening here and Fognini breaks!

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 1-1 Fognini*

Fognini's been watching Alcaraz at Queen's. A lovely forehand winner on one point, a fierce shot with both feet off the ground leaves Alcaraz stunned. He holds to love.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 1-0 Fognini

Little emotion from Alcaraz, he still looks quite frustrated, but he's up and running in the third set.

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7 (5-7) Fognini - Fognini wins second set!

Fognini comes to the net but misses. The next point has fans on their feet as Alcaraz reaches high to whip a backhand volley across court. A thrilling rally then ends with Alcaraz forcing a simple shot wide. Who had this game going longer than straight sets then!?

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-6 (3-6) Fognini

Fognini goes two away courtesy of another Alcaraz mistake. A huge serve then gives him set point but his backhand goes long, 3-6.

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-6 (2-4) Fognini

He returns again, this time it's too long. A deft drop shot gives Alcaraz his second point of the tie-break.

Alcaraz 7-5, 6-6 (1-3) Fognini

Alcaraz hits a forehand beyond the baseline before double faulting. He gets a point back as Fognini's return crashes into the net. Alcaraz then returns but it's wide.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 6-6 Fognini

Alcaraz doesn't look pleased with his performance so far but that's not slowing him down with some big serves. Fognini has other ideas though and a backhand down the line is out of Alcaraz's reach, 30-30. Fognini snatches at a simple return and then Alcaraz salutes the crowd as his volley winner sends the second set to a tie-break!

Alcaraz 7-5, 5-6 Fognini*

Fognini's serving continues to cause Alcaraz problems on his way to 30-15. Lovely serve and volley tennis closes out the game and there's plenty of support for the Italian right now.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 5-5 Fognini

The world No.2 remains focused and at 40-15 hits an ace out wide.

Alcaraz 7-5, 4-5 Fognini*

Both players mix up their shot selections but it's Fognini's volleying that proves decisive in getting to 40-15. The Italian misjudges a lob though and his awkward return from deep is long. Alcaraz has break point but in playing aggressive his shot only hits the net. The backhand volley at the net comes up trumps again and Fognini holds.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 4-4 Fognini

An ace and an unstoppable forehand to the baseline starts things off for Alcaraz, 30-0. One of the longest rallies of the match ends with Fognini finding the net At deuce, Alcaraz unleashes a double-handed backhand winner that students of the game should study for technique, wow. He tries that same shot two points later though and it goes wide to hand Fognini break point and Alcaraz is then broken!

Alcaraz 7-5, 4-3 Fognini*

A few mistakes from Fognini are slowly starting to creep in now but the Italian gets to 40-15 before Alcaraz fails to return a powerful serve,

Alcaraz* 7-5, 4-2 Fognini

Alcaraz could see that break as a turning point. He gets to 40-0 before showing his athleticism with a backhand volley.

Alcaraz 7-5, 3-2 Fognini*

Fognini races to a 40-0 lead but rushes his shot at the net to allow his opponent back in. A double fault follows, 40-30, and then Alcaraz forces him into an awkward shot after rushing to the net. Fognini double faults again to give Alcaraz break point and he takes it! 

Alcaraz* 7-5, 2-2 Fognini

Even Alcaraz seems surprised by that return winner from the 38-year-old, he's given no chance. But head down from Alcaraz and he continues to chip away to get to 40-30 and goes on to hold.

Alcaraz 7-5, 1-2 Fognini*

The Wimbledon crowd haven't seen enough of them yet but a typical Alcaraz forehand down the line at full power gets them excited. It won't bother Fognini though as he holds with ease once again.

Alcaraz* 7-5, 1-1 Fognini

0-30 as Fognini gives Alcaraz the eyes and crashes a forehand winner into space. His first serve percentage was just 53% in the opening set and it isn't improving just yet. He holds with a lovely forehand down the line once Fognini came to the net.

Alcaraz 7-5, 0-1 Fognini*

That first set took 54 minutes and we could be in for more of the same as the first game of this set goes to deuce. Fognini has hardly missed a backhand volley so far and another gives him advantage on his way to holding serve.

Alcaraz* 7-5 Fognini - Alcaraz wins first set!

No messing about from Alcaraz as he opens with an ace right down the middle. He's saved his best serves until this game as he races to 40-0 before closing the first set with another ace! 

Alcaraz 6-5 Fognini*

The crowd love that as Alcaraz plays a delicious drop shot out of his opponent's reach, 0-30. Mistakes from Alcaraz allow the Italian to level. Alcaraz gets break point as Fognini's backhand goes wide. but he too can't capitalise. He does a second time though as he has Fognini scrambling all over the court! A huge point sees him look over to his box with his fist clenched. 

Alcaraz* 5-5 Fognini

A perfectly executed volley at the net gets Alcaraz to 15-15. Fognini has his hands on his hips as he sends an easy forehand way beyond the baseline, 30-15. Alcaraz responds with a fierce forehand down the line of his own and then Fognini's backhand return is about 1mm outside of the tramline. 5-5!

Alcaraz 4-5 Fognini*

Alcaraz sends his forehand long, twice, to go 0-30. He then can't clear the net with his forehand on the next two points. A few too many mistakes so far.

Alcaraz* 4-4 Fognini

More like it from the world No.2 with Fognini unable to return the opening three serves which leads onto a comfortable hold.

Alcaraz 3-4 Fognini*

Fognini is showing his younger opponent how it's done with a few huge serves, but can't do anything about a ferocious forehand winner that kisses the baseline from Alcaraz, 30-15. Fognini remains solid throughout and finds himself 4-3 up in no time at all.

Alcaraz* 3-3 Fognini

Anyone thinking Alcaraz was going to be in for an easy start here is being made to look silly so far. Fognini looks well up for this and goes 0-30, before another Alcaraz double fault gives him three break points! The favourite claws it back to deuce though before sending a backhand wide. Break point Fognini again but he can't take advantage of it. Alcaraz double faults again when serving for the game. He's yet to find his rhythm with serving just yet and the net cord is taking an absolute battering but he eventually gets the job done.

Alcaraz 2-3 Fognini*

How about that for some top spin, Alcaraz is brutal with a forehand winner to the left of the court. Plenty of the action has been from the baseline so far but Fognini lures Alcaraz into the net with a drop shot and then finds the space beyond his opponent. Fognini continues his strong start by volleying to hold serve.

Alcaraz* 2-2 Fognini

A first double fault from Alcaraz and then Fognini hits a backhand return down the line straight out of the Alcaraz playbook, 0-30. Fognini has two surprise early break points as Alcaraz's forehand goes long. He saves them both by upping the power on the serves. He then lets rip with the best forehand winner of the match and gets an important hold.

Alcaraz 1-2 Fognini*

Alcaraz's return from a huge serve goes higher than the roof as fans eagerly await the catch... but a collection of fans drop it! Boo. Fognini is playing super aggressive from the off but two errors allow Alcaraz back in the game, 30-30. Fognini gets the hold as Alcaraz fires one just wide.

Alcaraz* 1-1 Fognini

Alcaraz races into a 30-0 lead before sending a forehand long. An inviting smash at the net is then not wasted by the world No.2 before Fognini's backhand finds the net. 

Alcaraz 0-1 Fognini*

Alcaraz won the toss but opts to receive first. Fognini wins the opening point with a volley at the net and follows that up with another to go 30-0. Alcaraz can't return the third serve. The Spaniard gets his first point of the tournament courtesy of a forehand error by Fognini but then loses the next point. Fognini up and running.

1:32 p.m. BST: The players walk out to a huge reception. Alcaraz is one of the most popular players on tour and he won't be short of love from the crowd today.

1:25 p.m. BST: Centre Court is filling up nicely as the crowd eagerly await the players entering. Fans sat in the sun are frantically waving their handheld fans to try and stay cool already. 32C right now.

1:15 p.m. BST: Of the 128 men in the draw, three are 38 years old: Novak Djokovic, Gael Monfils and Fabio Fognini.

The Italian is competing in his final Wimbledon after announcing this year will be his last on the tour. achieved a career-high ATP ranking of world No. 9 in 2019 and has won nine ATP singles titles throughout his career, eight of those being on clay.

1 p.m. BST: You could forgive Alcaraz for having a few nerves ahead of opening his Wimbledon account today but his pre-match comments certainly suggest he's calm.

"Most of all, I’m in no doubt that I have nothing to prove,” he said. “It’s my life and I live it the way I think is correct. The key is not to think about what people say, or their expectations, but to focus on what I really need and what makes me feel good.”

Assessing his opponent today, he added: "It’s going to be a great match.

"Fabio is a very talented player, he always provides great moments, good shots, good points. The early rounds can be dangerous, so we have to be really focused, play our best level and enjoy ourselves.”

12: 30 p.m. BST: As is tradition, the men's defending champion opens up proceedings on Centre Court on day one of The Championships. Here's how the rest of action is looking on the big stage.

Fabio Fognini (ITA) vs Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) [2]

Paula Badosa (ESP) [9] vs Katie Boulter (GBR)

Arthur Rinderknech (FRA) vs Alexander Zverev (GER) [3]

12 p.m. BST: Hello, and welcome to day one of Wimbledon 2025 as defending men's champion Carlos Alcaraz gets his campaign underway on Centre Court.

The 38-year-old Fabio Fognini is the man facing a tricky challenge in the London heat this afternoon as he looks to end Alcaraz's 18-match winning streak in all competitions.

How to watch Carlos Alcaraz vs. Fabio Fognini in USA

  • TV channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, Tennis Channel
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Carlos Alcaraz vs. Fabio Fognini start time

  • Date: Wednesday, June 4
  • Time: 1:30 p.m. BST | 8:30 a.m. ET

The men's opening match on Center Court is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. BST | 8:30 a.m. ET on Monday, June 30. 

Dan Gibbs

Dan joined The Sporting News as a sub-editor in 2022, having previously been the deputy sports editor at the Daily Star and a sports journalist at The Metro, focusing on football and tennis. Often found following his team home and away, the most famous red and blue shirt in football ... Crystal Palace.