Carlos Alcaraz Falters Early at Wimbledon Despite Scraping Through
The defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz narrowly avoided an embarrassing first-round exit after a shaky and error-strewn performance against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini. On Centre Court, the 21-year-old Spaniard was far from his best, drawing criticism for what many described as a “bizarre” and “careless” display.
Coming off a strong win at Queen’s Club and a recent title at the French Open, expectations were sky-high. Yet, Alcaraz appeared oddly unsettled from the opening exchanges. He won 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, but the numbers and attitude spoke volumes.
What Happened on Centre Court
Alcaraz dropped the second and fourth sets before finally putting away the 38-year-old Fognini in the fifth. It was more dramatic than necessary for someone tipped as a favorite to take home his third straight Wimbledon title.
He racked up 62 unforced errors—an unusually high tally for a player admired for his controlled aggression. Even more unusual, he hit fewer winners than errors, something rarely seen in his matches.
Tim Henman Slams Alcaraz’s Performance
Former Wimbledon semifinalist Tim Henman was among the critics who didn’t hold back in calling out the Spaniard’s erratic play. Speaking live during the BBC broadcast, Henman sounded both puzzled and concerned.
“I am so surprised at the poor execution and surprised at his reactions. He is missing shots that I cannot believe he is missing. It is certainly a concern for his coaching team,” Henman said. “He has been pretty careless. He has set up points and, time and time again, made unforced errors.”
Repeatedly, Henman referred to the match as a “very bizarre performance,” noting that he had not seen Alcaraz looking this out of sorts under such high-profile conditions.
Alcaraz’s Serve Under Pressure
Adding to the troubles was his first serve—only landing at 58%, which again, is far below his usual standard. This gave Fognini plenty of opportunities to attack on the second serve, throwing off Alcaraz’s rhythm.
Henman pointed out, “His form has been absolutely sensational, but his first serve percentage has been rather low in this game.”
Fognini Goes Out Swinging
To be fair, Fabio Fognini didn’t just show up to lose. Though currently outside form and in the twilight of his career, the 38-year-old showed real fight throughout. One could argue Alcaraz wouldn’t have survived if Fognini wasn’t physically fading by the fifth.
Still, this was a player who hadn’t won a match at tour level since October 2023—hardly a figure expected to give the champion a run for his money. Yet he forced five sets. That’s the story here.
What This Says About Alcaraz Going Forward
Some are brushing this off as a rusty opener, a product of first-match nerves or grass court adjustment. But others see red flags. Has the pressure of defending a Wimbledon title, paired with back-to-back title chases, started catching up?
At just 21, it’s not unheard of for young stars to drop their level briefly. But the degree of sloppiness—missing basic volleys, shanking returns—raised eyebrows.
Next Opponent: Time to Regroup
The good news? Alcaraz now faces one of the easiest matchups in the draw. British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, who isn’t ranked inside the ATP top 700, is up next. Realistically, Tarvet shouldn’t pose any danger—unless Alcaraz remains this off-key.
This next match gives Alcaraz a chance to recalibrate. He’ll need to clean up the unforced errors, serve with more consistency, and regain composure if he plans to go deep into the tournament. Because after this round, the big names start rolling in—no more room for this kind of head-scratching form.
How Fans and Analysts Reacted
- Many called the showing “unprofessional” on social media.
- Others reminded fans that even Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer had early Wimbledon scares.
- Some wondered if physical fatigue was a factor, given his dense match calendar.
What’s certain is that fans expected a stronger display from a reigning champion. And if Henman’s tone was any indicator, the inside tennis world is just as bewildered.
What Alcaraz Needs to Fix
If Carlos wants to settle into this tournament, he’ll need sharper decision-making, especially when constructing points. The high-risk backhands and poorly timed drop shots might work on clay, but grass is far less forgiving.
He must also work on:
- Increasing his first serve accuracy to avoid pressure on the second.
- Reducing unforced errors by playing safer rallies to begin.
- Maintaining mental focus during the quieter stretches of the match.
Though it may sound minor, these lapses erode trust. And champions thrive when they trust their form.
Final Word: A Wake-Up Call
Maybe Alcaraz just needed this close call to force a reset. Remember: last year’s Slam champions all had early-round nerves or struggles at some point. Tennis is unforgiving, and expectations are crushing.
Still, watching Carlos Alcaraz battle not just his opponent but himself was something different. You almost felt like you were watching a young star shrink under the weight of his own talent—just for a moment. Whether it’s a blip or something deeper remains to be seen.
All eyes now turn to round two. And suddenly, a match once considered a formality feels oddly important.
