Alcaraz stutters to opening win in sizzling five-setter

Defending champion to face Brit qualifier Oliver Tarvet next

- KIERAN JACKSON ON CENTRE COURT

It’s doubtful Carlos Alcaraz will need to be told. If the effervescent, at times mesmerising, 22-year-old Spaniard wants to claim his third consecutive Wimbledon title, he’ll have to play a damn sight better than he did here on day one. For tennis's hottest property, this was a stutter of a start.

Gasps were aplenty at last Friday's draw ceremony when wily old fox Fabio Fognini was picked to face the defending champion. The old-school maverick is entering his final months on tour and, at the age of 38, seemed a routine first-round conquest for Alcaraz, himself on an 18-match win-streak following his French Open triumph against Jannik Sinner. Yet the inspired Italian thrived in a final big-match moment here, conducting the 15,000 in attendance with a brash arrogance even if, in the end, he came up short.

Ultimately, Alcaraz prevailed in five captivating sets, emerging triumphant via a 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 scoreline, over four-and-a-half hours, on the hottest opening day in Wimbledon history. New knights of the realm Gareth Southgate and David Beckham endured their fair share of unconvincing victories in England colours and they witnessed another here, perched in the front row of the Royal Box.

“I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon, the level we just saw... he could play another four years,” said Alcaraz of his opponent afterwards. “He’s a great player... I’m just a bit sad that this is his last Wimbledon. I’m happy to have shared the court with him.

“I’ve been practicing very well. I could feel the difference between Wimbledon and the other tournaments. I would say I can play better. I have to improve.”

The second seed now faces British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, the world No 733, in a dream encounter for the University of San Diego college player in round two tomorrow. And frankly, against a player on a terrific run on the grass, Alcaraz will need to vastly improve.