The two-time defending champ eventually asserts himself in the last set to pick up a 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 victory amid record-breaking Day 1 heat at the oldest Grand Slam tournament.

Second-seeded Alcaraz is currently on a career-best 19-match winning streak, but struggled against Fognini who has never been past the third round at Wimbledon.

Carlos Alcaraz, locked in a five-set struggle at Centre Court, looked toward his coach Monday and shouted something about how Fabio Fognini - 38, retiring after this season, winless in 2025 - looked as if he could keep playing until he’s 50.