Carlos Alcaraz secured a more hard-fought victory than expected against Fabio Fognini, winning 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1, beginning his double crown defense at Wimbledon not without difficulties.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Carlos Alcaraz Thanks Fabio Fognini for 'Incredible' First Round Wimbledon Match.

The two-time defending champ eventually asserts himself in the last set to pick up a 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 victory amid record-breaking Day 1 heat at the oldest Grand Slam tournament.