Two-time defending champion Alcaraz labors to first round victory at Wimbledon

Two-time reigning men's singles champion Carlos Alcaraz was forced into a five-set marathon battle by Italy's Fabio Fognini, before advancing out of the first round at Wimbledon 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 on Monday.

Alcaraz, 22, struggled on serve under scorching sunlight, while the 38-year-old Fognini, who was making his final Wimbledon appearance, showed great resilience and net skills.

The World No. 2 was pushed into a deciding set before finally extending his winning streak to 19 matches, after four hours and 37 minutes on the court. The titleholder will face British wildcard Oliver Tarvet in the second round.

"I knew at the beginning that it was going to be really difficult playing against Fabio," said the Spaniard, who successfully defended his French Open title last month at Roland-Garros.

"The talent that Fabio has is immense. In every match he can show his best tennis. I think today he has shown [some] of his best tennis," he added.

Eighth seed Holger Rune of Denmark and Russian ninth seed Daniil Medvedev were both knocked out in the first round. Rune lost to Nicolas Jarry of Chile 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, while Medvedev was defeated by France's Benjamin Bonzi 7-6(2), 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2.

Opening day also featured a late controversy, as Taylor Fritz's match was suspended due to an evening curfew. The fifth-seeded American fought back from two sets down to pull level against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard of France before play was halted, denying the spectators who stayed late in hopes of watching a decider.