Carlos Alcaraz not only survived a grueling five-set battle against Fabio Fognini in the opening round of Wimbledon 2025, but also delivered a moment of pure sportsmanship at the match’s conclusion. After sealing a 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 victory on Centre Court, the defending champion turned to the crowd and led a standing ovation for his opponent, acknowledging Fognini’s final appearance at the All England Club.
The 38-year-old Italian, who has announced his retirement at the end of the season, pushed Alcaraz to the brink with vintage shot-making and relentless grit. Despite entering the match ranked outside the top 100 and on a six-match losing streak in 2025, Fognini summoned one of his finest performances in recent memory, forcing the world No. 2 to dig deep in sweltering conditions.
Alcaraz, visibly moved, praised Fognini in his post-match interview, saying, “I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon, because the level he’s shown today, he could play for years. It was an honor to share the court with him.”
The crowd responded with thunderous applause, many rising to their feet as Fognini waved goodbye to the iconic venue. His wife, former US Open champion Flavia Pennetta, and their children watched from the stands, adding to the emotional weight of the moment.
Though the scoreboard favored Alcaraz, the day belonged equally to Fognini—a fierce competitor, a charismatic presence, and a player who left his mark on Wimbledon in unforgettable fashion.
A touch of class from Carlos Alcaraz, who leads the applause for Fabio Fognini (image) #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/ZiRn7ya2aJ
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2025
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Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
42 – 9win/loss
2
High
1
22 year old
LWWWWWWWWW
Currently the world no.2, Carlos played his last match on the 1st of January 1970 when he defeated world no.25 Jiri Lehecka 7-5 6-7(5) 6-2 in the final in London to win his 0th challenger.
This year Carlos has achieved a compiled 42-5 win-loss record. Carlos clinched 5 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open and London. Alcaraz got to the final in Barcelona.
Fabio Fognini in 2025
4 – 14win/loss
138
High
9
38 year old
LLWLLLWWLL
Currently ranked no.138, Fognini played his last match on the 1st of January 1970 when he surrendered to world no.57 Daniel Altmaier 6-3 3-6 6-3 in the 1st round in Mallorca (draw).
This year the Italian has a compiled 4-14 record.
Carlos Alcaraz and Fabio Fognini faced off only twice. The head to head is 2-0 for Alcaraz.
