"There was a moment when I didn't know what to do": Carlos Alcaraz admits struggle against 'brilliant' Fabio Fognini

Carlos Alcaraz addressed his challenging first-round match against Fabio Fogniniat Wimbledon. The two-time defending champion found himself in serious trouble in a match that looked straightforward on paper, having to decide it in a five-set thriller lasting almost four and a half hours.

Fognini hadn't secured an ATP-level win so far this year, but he pulled out his best tennis in what was his Wimbledon farewell. The Italian is preparing for retirement at the end of the season and delivered one of his best performances in recent times in front of the Centre Court crowd at the All England Club.

The inspiration of the former World No. 9 proved to be a serious difficulty for Alcaraz. The Italian came back from a set down twice, but the Spaniard ultimately emerged victorious with a score of 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. "When you see your opponent playing the way he was, especially in the fourth set, there was a moment when I didn't know what to do," Alcaraz commented in a press conference.

"I felt like I was playing at a good level, and yet he completely ran over me. It's difficult to stay calm and collected and believe that things will turn around," the world No. 2 added. "But at no point did I think about what was going to happen or what if I lost. This is tennis, and anything can happen. We've seen great players lose in the first round, and absolutely nothing happens."

"Fabio played brilliant tennis. After the match, I told him I have a lot of respect for him, for everything he's done in his career. To be honest, I don't know why it's his last Wimbledon, because with the level he showed, he could keep playing for three or four more years. I have to give him credit for this great match. He's a great player, he has been throughout his career, and today he showed his talent. I'm sad that it's his last Wimbledon, but I'm happy to have shared the court and locker room with him so many times."

Alcaraz advanced to the second round where he will face the surprising Oliver Tarvet, a 21-year-old player who received a wildcard to participate in the qualifying rounds and is currently only ranked World No. 733. The Brit defeated Leandro Riedi in the first round and will have a golden opportunity to play on Centre Court in what is only his first main draw appearance at a Grand Slam.