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.

Second-seeded Alcaraz is currently on a career-best 19-match winning streak, but struggled against Fognini who has never been past the third round at Wimbledon.

Carlos Alcaraz has needed to go through five sets against Fabio Fognini at Wimbledon before winning their first-round match to start his bid for a third consecutive title at the All England Club.