The Wimbledon first-round match between Carlos Alcaraz and seasoned showman Fabio Fognini gave many memorable moments to the tennis world. Their five-set thriller on Centre Court lasted four hours and 37 minutes, packed with fierce rallies and breathtaking shots.
Beyond the stats, the match revealed raw humanity involving family and show of respect. For Fognini, it was more than just a first-round match, and for Alcaraz, it was another step in his quest to win his third consecutive Wimbledon title.
Let’s take a look at five heartfelt moments from the thriller and emotional match.
#5. A Loving Father-Son Moment After the Match
One of the most beautiful moments from the match came after Fognini left the court. At the Royal Box, the Italian’s youngest son, Federico, was waiting for him, with his outstretched arms.
The 38-year old Italian walked over and enveloped his son in the arms, showing love and embrace. In that moment, Alcaraz’s comeback or Fognini’s upset didn’t matter. What mattered was family, a father showing resilience and vulnerability can coexist to his child.
#4. Carlos Alcaraz’s Tribute to Fabio Fognini
Immediately after securing a hard-fought 7-5, 6-7(5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 victory in four hours and 37 minutes, Alcaraz didn’t pump his fists in celebration. Instead, the defending champion turned to Fognini and encouraged the Centre Court crowd to applaud for his opponent.
A touch of class from Carlos Alcaraz, who leads the applause for Fabio Fognini #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/ZiRn7ya2aJ
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2025
This sweet gesture from Alcaraz perfectly captured the beauty of sportsmanship despite the intensity of their match. The appreciation that followed roared through the entirety of the All England Club, appreciating the class shown by Fognini against the Spaniard.
#3. Post-Match Image
After the match, a heartwarming image of the champion, the challenger, and Fognini’s first coach, Massimiliano Conti, went viral on social media. The image perfectly captured three generations of the sport, with Conti representing the past, Fognini from the present, and the future successfully secured in Alcaraz.
Not every top player handles a five-set early round with grace.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, Fabio Fognini, and Fabio’s first coach, Massimiliano Conti: pic.twitter.com/PM40x1eDGr
— Daily Alcaraz (@alcarazdaily) June 30, 2025
#2. Fognini’s Tears in the Locker Room
During his post-match press conference, Fognini confessed to an outpouring of emotion in the locker room. “I cried in the locker room,” he revealed. “I didn’t expect to play five sets against him. Since I started the year after my injury, I was playing really bad. There is no better way to play on this court, against a great champion I respect so much, and alongside his team, whom I know very well.”
His vulnerability resonated with fans, showcasing the emotional toll of the prestigious competition.
Fognini says he cried in the locker room after his loss to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon, ‘I didn’t expect to play 5 sets against him’
“What was going through your mind when Carlos pointed at you to get the applause after that match?”
Fabio: “I was really emotional to be honest.… pic.twitter.com/NbniudQABB
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 30, 2025
#1. A Gift From the Champion
Moments after the final handshake, with the Centre Court crowd still buzzing, Fabio Fognini approached Carlos Alcaraz with a heartfelt request. “Charlie, I want your shirt for Federico,” he said, referencing his young son.
Fabio Fognini asked Carlos Alcaraz for his shirt to give to his son after losing to him in his final Wimbledon:
“Charlie, I want your shirt for Federico.”
His son is a huge Alcaraz fan. pic.twitter.com/RGTl1OAO6V
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 30, 2025
The request was for a boy who idolizes Alcaraz, the champion who had just outlasted his father in an unforgettable match.
Carlos Alcaraz will face Oliver Tarvet in the second-round match of Wimbledon 2025 on Jul. 2, 2025.
