Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious in a gripping five-set battle against Fabio Fognini in the opening round of Wimbledon 2025, but it was his post-match message that captured hearts across the tennis world. After four hours and 37 minutes of intense play under the scorching Centre Court sun, the 22-year-old Spaniard took to social media to honor his opponent with a message that resonated far beyond the scoreboard.
“38 años? 😳 Enhorabuena por el inmenso partido @fabiofogna! 🤝🏻 Ha sido un honor compartir esta batalla en Wimbledon contigo!” wrote Alcaraz, expressing admiration for the 38-year-old Italian’s performance and spirit. The match, which ended 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in Alcaraz’s favor, was widely regarded as one of the most thrilling openers in recent memory.
Fognini, likely playing his final Wimbledon, pushed the defending champion to the brink with vintage shot-making and fearless aggression. Alcaraz, who admitted he wasn’t at his best, credited Fognini for elevating the match and inspiring him to dig deep.
The gesture from Alcaraz reflects the mutual respect shared between generations of players and highlights the emotional weight of such encounters. As Alcaraz advances to face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the second round, his words continue to echo — a reminder that sportsmanship and admiration often shine brightest in the heat of competition.
Alcaraz in Wimbledon, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently ranked no.2, the Spaniard has managed to achieve a compiled 43-5 win-loss record in 2025. Alcaraz is now competing in Wimbledon where he beat the world no.138 Fabio Fognini 7-5 6-7(5) 7-5 2-6 6-1
.Carlos Alcaraz will compete against the world no.733 Oliver Tarvet in the 2nd round. They have never played each other up to now in top events.
Carlos has won 5 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open and London. Alcaraz was the finalist in Barcelona (Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell).
The Spaniard won 22 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 11 on clay courts, 2 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Fabio Fognini in 2025
Currently the world no.138, Fabio played his last match on the 1st of January 1970 when he was overcome by world no.2 Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7(5) 7-5 2-6 6-1 in the 1st round in Wimbledon (draw).
This year Fabio has an overall 4-15 match record.
Carlos Alcaraz and Fabio Fognini fought against each other 3 times. The head to head is 3-0 for Alcaraz.