For Wimbledon favourite Carlos Alcaraz, he is lucky enough to play another match after surviving Monday’s Fabio Fognini 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in the opening round. Alcaraz, who improved 18-0 in a first-round grand slam match, alternated between set wins against the 138th-ranked player in the world before holding fifth with his best service.
Alcaraz failed to face Fognini nearly four hours before his fifth inning, struggling to fire with every cylinder like he did during Janik Thinner’s five set victory in the French Open Finals. Alcaraz appeared to lack energy for Fognini in the Wimbledon opener before getting strong on the decisive set.
The 38-year-old Italian, scheduled to retire later this year, played one of the best games of his career, dominating the serves while easily handling Alcaraz’s cross-court shots.
“He seemed uninspired throughout the game,” ESPN’s Chris Fowler said early in the fifth set.
Alcaraz got the crowd up with the forehand winner, closing the second game and grabbed a much needed break in the fifth set before cruising for a three-game lead in the serve. Alkaraz threw his hand into the air and let us roa.
The fifth set was delayed 17 minutes before the start of the fourth game in the fifth set after fans got sick due to a fever-related situation. Serving without a warm-up when play resumed, Fognini was assisted by Alcaraz’s return error, but was unable to win the service game after two short volleys went into the net.
And at Alcaraz’s break, it was inevitably for the upset Fonini, who was significantly angry with himself in the middle of the final set.
Alcaraz wants to be the first player on the men’s tour since Bjorn Borg. Alcaraz is just the third defending Wimbledon champion to be taken to five sets in the first round of the following year’s Grand Slam.
Alkaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the respective Wimbledon finals of the last two summers.
“I’m here really wanting to win the title,” Alcaraz said before the Wimbledon opener. “I really want the (this) trophy. I don’t think of how many players have done it (in the past), three wins, or winning bundles in a row. I just want to be ready and prepare myself in the best possible way.
“Obviously, I feel confident right now. Think about doing something good and starting the tournament in the future. Two weeks will be really long in the Grand Slam, but now I’m not thinking who will be able to participate if I win three Wimbledons.”
Alcaraz will play Oliver Turbet on Wednesday in the second round. Tarvet was the winner of the Leandro Riedi 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 straight sets.
