Wimbledon 2025 – Carlos Alcaraz shows champion mentality in SW19
The sounds of SW19 flowed across the pristine grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The popping of champagne corks, the ovation for national heroes David Beckham and Gareth Southgate – this is the Championships in its essence.
It was a battle of the generations, tradition versus modernity, 16 years in age between the pair. Tradition has also been forced to adapt; for the first time in the competition’s 148-year history, the courts are not surrounded by line judges.
Alcaraz did not feel he was at his best level, yet champions will always find a way to win even when they are not in full flow. For the 22-year-old, his 2025 opener at Wimbledon was a prime example, despite being on an 18-match winning streak.
Fognini was determined not arrive at Centre Court as a spectator, playing in his last of 15 Championships. While he played with freedom and nothing to lose, Alcaraz grew frustrated and needed to keep cool in the heat to maintain his grip on the match.
It was a vintage performance for former Australian Open doubles champion Fognini, playing his serve-and-volley game to perfection, while his five return winners were a joy to witness on Centre Court.
After suffering in the fourth set, Alcaraz turned ruthless in the decider and won three games without a reply, before a medical emergency in the crowd paused the match. The Spaniard brought over a bottle of water, waited patiently and closed out the bout upon returning to the grass.
There was a silver lining for Fognini: his son, Federico, flew to London upon learning that his father would play Alcaraz. After the match, he asked the Spaniard for his shirt as a gift for his son. Even after the battle, the sportsmanship remains on Centre Court.