Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz narrowly avoided becoming the tournament's first major upset, overcoming Italian veteran Fabio Fognini 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in a grueling 4-hour-37-minute battle. The 22-year-old Spaniard faced relentless pressure from the 38-year-old Fognini, who showcased exceptional net play in his final Wimbledon appearance.
"The talent Fabio has is immense," Alcaraz acknowledged after securing his 19th consecutive win. The victory sets up a second-round clash with British wildcard Oliver Tarvet.
Monday's action saw seismic shocks as eighth seed Holger Rune and ninth seed Daniil Medvedev both suffered early exits. Rune fell to Chile's Nicolas Jarry in five sets, while Medvedev succumbed to France's Benjamin Bonzi.
The opening day concluded with controversy as Taylor Fritz's comeback attempt against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was halted by Wimbledon's 11 PM curfew, leaving spectators disappointed after the American fought back from two sets down.
