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.

Alcaraz hopes to become the first player on the men's tour since Bjorn Borg to complete the French Open-Wimbledon double in consecutive years. Alcaraz is only the third defending Wimbledon champion all-time to be taken to five sets in the first round of the following year's Grand Slam.

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.