July 1, India -- Fabio Fognini, who is retiring, was given one last chance to shine when he was selected in the first round of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships against Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion, and won a coveted position on the legendary Centre Court. With only three wins in fourteen games during an injury-plagued season, few anticipated that the 38-year-old would be able to defeat the in-form Spaniard, much less win a set. However, the audience at Centre Court erupted in applause and chanted his name in admiration of the outstanding tennis that Fognini displayed after four hours and thirty-seven minutes in the scorching London heat.

Alcaraz was attempting to make history at Wimbledon as he sought to become the second man, after Bjorn Borg, to win the Channel Slam in consecutive years. He entered the competition with the longest winning streak of his career—18 games. In contrast, Fognini had suffered 10 consecutive defeats. Nevertheless, Alcaraz was clearly annoyed by the free-hitting Italian, who gave him a genuine scare.

Alcaraz faltered in the second set, making 20 unforced errors, as the nine-time tour-level titlist tied the score after grinding out the opening set with a single moment of brilliance to secure the decisive break. The five-time Grand Slam champion increased his intensity in the third set, bringing him closer to the second round. However, Fognini thrilled the audience by pulling off a double break in the fourth set to force the match into a tiebreaker, proving that he had more tricks up his sleeve. Alcaraz ultimately sealed a 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 victory when his magic finally ran out there.

Following the game, Alcaraz shook hands with Fognini at the net before turning to the audience and encouraging them to applaud the seasoned player. On Centre Court, he clapped in the direction of Fognini, eliciting a spine-tingling standing ovation—a fitting send-off for one of tennis's most colorful personalities.

The spine-tingling moment brought tears to Fognini's eyes in the locker room, he said, adding that his final match was at the SW19. "Oh, it was very emotional," he remarked.

To be honest, I sob in the locker room. I burst out in tears. Because I didn't anticipate playing him in five sets, as I've stated. I have to be truthful. I wasn't expecting anything when I came here because my play was terrible since the beginning of the year following my injury. I didn't win that many games.

"As a result, I say, okay. At the start of the tournament here in Wimbledon, I was seven spots away from qualifying for the main draw. I enter last. As I previously said, there is no better way to play in this court with a superb champion with whom I have a great deal of respect and for his team, as I know them quite well.

Alcaraz also lauded the seasoned superstar, saying, "I don't know why it's his last Wimbledon, because with the level he has shown, he can still play three or four more years. I have to give him credit for such a great match." Fabio is a fantastic player who has demonstrated his caliber throughout his career. I'm just a little bit bummed that this is his final Wimbledon, but I'm still glad that I got to share the court with him.

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