The 2025 Championships at Wimbledon are upon us as the All England Club opens its doors to the tennis world once again.
Carlos Alcaraz is eyeing a third consecutive title at SW19, and opened up proceedings on Centre Court on Monday by edging past Italian journeyman Fabio Fognini in a five-set thriller.
On the women’s side, Emma Raducanu begun her Wimbledon campaign on Court 1 with a straight sets victory against British wild card Mingge Xu, while British No 2 Katie Boulter overcame ninth seed Paula Badosa in the second match on Centre Court - just her fourth victory over a top 10 player in her career.
Alexander Zverev’s clash with Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech was a set apiece when play was suspended due to the 11pm curfew, while the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Maddison Keys and Cameron Norrie were also victorious on the opening day.
Follow live coverage of Wimbledon with The Independent’s live blog below:
WIMBLEDON 2025 - DAY 1 LATEST UPDATES
- Wimbledon 2025 begins on Monday 30 June
- Carlos Alcaraz edges Fabio Fognini in five-set thriller on Centre Court
- Emma Raducanu beats compatriot Mimi Xu in straight sets
- Katie Boulter stuns ninth-seed Paula Badosa to progress
- Alexander Zverev’s clash with Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech goes into Day 2 at a set apiece
- Stefanos Tsitsipas retires injured in Wimbledon first round
- PREVIEW: Why Wimbledon is desperate for top billing in the Alcaraz-Sinner arms race
Why does Wimbledon have a curfew?
23:33 , Will CastleWimbledon is back but unlike the three other grand slams, there will be no late-night finishes at the Championships.
Last year’s French Open saw Novak Djokovic play until after 3am in the morning, while at the Australian Open at the start of 2024 Daniil Medvedev did not complete a five-set comeback until 3:39am.
Centre Court and No. 1 Court have used their roofs to ensure extra tennis is played late into the evening. But there is a limit to how late the action can last at SW19, even with the roof and floodlights able to give fans an extended day out.
Here’s everything you need to know about the curfew:
Taylor Fritz fights back
23:02 , Will CastleIf you were wondering how things ended up finishing over on Court One, Taylor Fritz has recovered from a two-set deficit to bring his clash with Giovanni Mpetshi Perrican on terms going into a fifth set.
Play was suspended there some time ago, so we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see how that plays out.
SET & PLAY SUSPENDED! Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (10-8) Arthur Rinderknech
22:57 , Will CastleAnd we’re level!
Zverev finally gets a mini-break against Rinderknech’s serve, and he makes it count as his first serve balloons off the edge of the Frenchman’s racket and bounces out.
That’s all she wrote from a thrilling first day at Wimbledon as play is suspended minutes before the 11am curfew!
TIEBREAK! Alexander Zverev 7-7 Arthur Rinderknech
22:52 , Will CastleAnother set point comes and goes for Rinderknech as powerful first serve is met with no return.
TIEBREAK! Alexander Zverev 6-6 Arthur Rinderknech
22:51 , Will CastleA huge return from Zverev looks to put Rinderknech in danger of being broken, but he keeps things alive and manages to claw out the point.
But under the pressure, Zverev survives yet another set point to take this to 6-6.
TIEBREAK! Alexander Zverev 4-5 Arthur Rinderknech
22:49 , Will CastleAfter being unable to return Rinderknech’s first serve, Zverev has a chance for a mini-break as he gets his forehand in play.
However, Rinderknech is equal to it and moves close before firing a passing shot beyond the German, reacting with a bellowing roar.
TIEBREAK! Alexander Zverev 4-3 Arthur Rinderknech
22:47 , Will CastleJust like during the rest of this match, neither man is giving an inch on serve.
Rinderknech piledrives both his efforts to little return before Zverev does the same.
TIEBREAK! Alexander Zverev 2-1 Arthur Rinderknech
22:45 , Will CastleZverev wins the first point on Rinderknech’s serve but the Frenchman cancels that mini-break out, leaving the German 2-1 to the good rather than 3-0.
*Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3-7) 6-6 Arthur Rinderknech
22:40 , Will CastleBlink and you’ll miss it, Rinderknech bounces back from his break near-miss with an emphatic service game, holding to love.
It’s not quite as straightforward for Zverev, who concedes early into his serve but eventually holds to 15.
We go to another tiebreak!
*Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3-7) 5-5 Arthur Rinderknech
22:36 , Will CastleA set point goes awry for Rinderknech after forcing an error with a strong forehand, only able to slap a backhand onto the net cord to give Zverev a reprieve.
A thunderous ace from the German follows before Rinderknech nets again for Zverev to hold!
*Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3-7) 4-5 Arthur Rinderknech
22:32 , Will CastleThe first proper hint at a break we’ve had in a while!
Rinderknech storms into a 0-30 lead, slapping overhead before walloping a wonderful forehand to go within two points of taking the second set.
Zverev responds with three big serves to regain control at 40-30, but can’t get the game over the line quiet yet as a hotly contested rally ends with him netting a drop shot return.
Deuce to come. Whatever happens, this set will be the final action of Wimbledon’s opening day.
Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3-7) 4-5 Arthur Rinderknech*
22:28 , Will CastleZverev needs to make his tennis in open play count if he’s going to break Rinderknech here.
Two chances to nick precious points on defence go awry, the first being a passing shot down the right that went just wide, the second a wild cross court effort that flew beyond the tramlines.
Rinderknech capitalises on the errors and holds to 15.
*Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3-7) 4-4 Arthur Rinderknech
22:23 , Will CastleIt feels like we’re kind of stuck in a cycle. Both are dominating on serve with little prospect of breaking.
Zverev holds again. You imagine this will be the last set of the night.
Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3-7) 3-4 Arthur Rinderknech*
22:19 , Will CastleHow does Zverev go about overcoming the imperious Rinderknech serve?
The Frenchman holds again to love, with his final serve clocking in at 136mph.
Zverev doesn’t have much of an answer on defence at the moment.
Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3-7) 2-3 Arthur Rinderknech*
22:13 , Will CastleZverev holds to love, but any satisfaction is soon wiped off the face of the German as Rinderknech fires a forehand off the net cord while on serve, with it dribbling over the net to the Frenchman’s advanatge.
The look on Zverev’s face there was one of wanting more than an apology.
Internal rage does not spark a fightback on this occasion for Zverev, as Rinderknech also holds to love.
Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3-7) 1-2 Arthur Rinderknech*
22:09 , Will CastleBoth trade relatively straightforward holds, with Rinderknech remaining ever-resilient to the frustration of Zverev.
The Frenchman won’t want to stop playing in this form. But in 52 minutes, he’ll have to.
Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3-7) 0-1 Arthur Rinderknech*
22:01 , Will CastleRinderknech’s ability to survive the break scare currently knows no bounds.
Zverev looks to respond immediately to going a set down as he drills a backhand return straight past the Frenchman off serve.
However, Rinderknech doesn’t let that intimidate him and comes back to force deuce, emerging victorious from that scenario for what feels like the fourth or fifth time in this match so far.
An important hold off the back of his tiebreak triumph.
SET! *Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3-7) Arthur Rinderknech
21:53 , Will CastleZverev hints at a fightback, but and after a back-and-forth rally, it’s a unforced error into the net by the third-seed that seals the set for Rinderknech!
It surely won’t finish before the 11pm curfew - but could this be the beginning of a major shock?
TIEBREAK! Alexander Zverev 1-6 Arthur Rinderknech*
21:50 , Will CastleZverev has dominated this set, but is on the verge of giving away the first.
Rinderknech’s power has been too much to handle and he now has FIVE set points.
TIEBREAK! *Alexander Zverev 0-4 Arthur Rinderknech
21:47 , Will CastleRinderknech draws first blood in the tiebreak! A lovely drop shot completes the mini-break as he storms into a 3-0 lead.
He then delivers a delightful drop shot that Zverev chooses to leave, but it just creeps in front of the baseline to give him clear daylight.
Alexander Zverev 6-6 Arthur Rinderknech*
21:45 , Will CastleDominance again on serve for Zverev. He holds to love.
But it’s an easier service game for Rinderknech, who storms into a 40-0 lead. He has to duck out of a forehand close to the net from Zverev, which very nearly hits him in the head - it ends up going long, so it was even more important that he avoided it.
He holds to 15, forcing a tiebreak - an impressive feat given the five break points he’s had to defend this set.
Alexander Zverev 5-5 Arthur Rinderknech*
21:41 , Will CastleOn serve, Zverev is proving pretty formidable. Rinderknech is finding it hard to get any success against the powerful deliveries.
The Frenchman is nevertheless holding firm when it matters. Zverev could have taken the set with a break there and hinted at doing so, going 15-30 up. But he survives yet again and keeps the first alive.
Alexander Zverev 4-4 Arthur Rinderknech*
21:32 , Will CastleThat’s a fifth break point Rinderknech has survived there. Just when Zverev thinks he might have his number, the Frenchman brings out a monster serve to quell those hopes of drawing blood in this first set.
He holds expertly, reading Zverev to go close to the net before slicing a deft volley over the net which the German can’t get to.
Rinderknech is becoming familiar with being forced to deuce on serve. The question is, how long can he keep letting his service games go to the wire without slipping?
Elsewhere at Wimbledon
21:28 , Will CastleRinderknech may be taking inspiration from compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who is on course to deliver one of the shocks of the first round and currently finds himself two sets up on fifth-seed Taylor Fritz.
Perricard has emerged victorious in two tiebreaks but now needs to fend off the American’s comeback, having broken him in the third.
Alexander Zverev 3-3 Arthur Rinderknech*
21:23 , Will CastleAfter another simple hold for Zverev, the German tries to put Rinderknech in a spot of bother and once more forces him to deuce.
The Frenchman holds firm again, however, and is definitely winning over what remains of the Centre Court crowd.
Alexander Zverev 2-2 Arthur Rinderknech*
21:14 , Will CastleZverev looks to be on the verge of drawing first blood as he storms into a 0-40 lead on defence.
However, Rinderknech puts on a serving masterclass to save three break points before winning another two more to hold impressively.
“That’ll be depressing if you’re a Zverev follower,” says John McEnroe on commentary.
*Alexander Zverev 2-1 Arthur Rinderknech
21:07 , Will CastleRinderknech is a big server, and demonstrates that off the bat as he barely breaks a sweat to hold to love.
Zverev responds with a far more straightforward service game, serving out with an ace to hold to 15.
*Alexander Zverev 1-0 Arthur Rinderknech
21:01 , Will CastleEarly test for Zverev as Rinderknech comes back from 0-30 down to have two opportunities at an early break.
The German survives both and manages to hold eventually. Might take a minute for the world number three to get into the swing of things, it seems.
*Alexander Zverev 0-0 Arthur Rinderknech
20:55 , Will CastleAt 8:53pm local time, our third and final match on Centre Court is underway!
Alexander Zverev to serve.
Emma Raducanu books spot in Wimbledon second round with routine win over Mimi Xu
20:44 , Will CastleWhile defending champion Carlos Alcaraz became ensnared in a five-set epic against the maverick Fabio Fognini, over on Wimbledon’s second show court, another former US Open champion was showing him how first-round matches at grand slams are supposed to go.
In fact, his future doubles partner: Emma Raducanu. The pair’s paths have diverged quite considerably since breakout seasons as teenagers, Raducanu winning a maiden major in Flushing Meadows in 2021, Alcaraz following suit the year after.
The Brit has never been able to replicate the highs of that stunning major win, but is back in the world’s top 40 after a more consistent first half of the season, and back in the British No 1 spot.
Flo Clifford from Wimbledon:
Emma Raducanu books spot in Wimbledon second round with routine win over Mimi Xu
Still to come
20:42 , Will CastleDon’t forget, we’ve still got another match on Centre Court to come tonight.
With the sun already setting on SW19, German men's third seed Alexander Zverev is preparing to take on France's Arthur Rinderknech in a match that will surely not finish before the 11pm curfew.
GAME, SET & MATCH! Katie Boulter 6-2 3-6 6-4 Paula Badosa*
20:34 , Will CastleKATIE BOULTER WINS ON CENTRE COURT!
Boulter fights tooth and nail to seal only her fourth win against a top 10 opponent, with Badosa netting to seal the Brit’s victory!
She’s the seventh British winner today. It’s been a good start to Wimbledon for the home favourites!
Katie Boulter 6-2 3-6 5-4 Paula Badosa*
20:32 , Will CastleThat is terrific from Boulter! She gets Badosa on the defensive and after playing her around the court, fires a forehand return to storm into a 0-30 lead.
Badosa then goes long to give her three match points. It’s within touching distance for the Brit...
Why does Wimbledon have a curfew?
23:00 , Will CastleWimbledon is back but unlike the three other grand slams, there will be no late-night finishes at the Championships.
Last year’s French Open saw Novak Djokovic play until after 3am in the morning, while at the Australian Open at the start of 2024 Daniil Medvedev did not complete a five-set comeback until 3:39am.
Centre Court and No. 1 Court have used their roofs to ensure extra tennis is played late into the evening. But there is a limit to how late the action can last at SW19, even with the roof and floodlights able to give fans an extended day out.
Here’s why Wimbledon has a curfew:
*Katie Boulter 6-2 3-6 5-4 Paula Badosa
20:30 , Will CastleA scare for Boulter as she allows a 40-0 service game to slip to 40-30, all sparked by a double fault.
She’s on the defensive in the next point as Badosa comes to the net, but the Spaniard fluffs her volley to allow Boulter to seal a crucial hold.
Centre Court breathes a sigh of relief. Badosa is serving to stay in this...
Katie Boulter 6-2 3-6 4-4 Paula Badosa*
20:27 , Will CastleBig cheers as Boulter drives a passing backhand beyond Badosa to tie the score at 30-30. Could this be the Brit’s chance to seal the all-important break?
Not this time as she fails return Badosa’s next two first serves, netting both as the Spaniard holds.
*Katie Boulter 6-2 3-6 4-3 Paula Badosa
20:22 , Will CastleIn the first set, Boulter was a level above Badosa. In the second, it was vice versa.
Now, there’s very little to separate the pair. Both hold with relative ease, Badosa to 30, while Boulter to 15.
Who’s going to blink first?
*Katie Boulter 6-2 3-6 3-2 Paula Badosa
20:17 , Will CastleBadosa doesn’t take long to level the score and holds comfortably to 15, just guiding the ball into the corner to seal the game.
Boulter hits back with a hold to 15 of her own, showing off great defensive work before forcing the Spaniard from corner to corner, drawing the eventual error.
Every point counts at this stage!
*Katie Boulter 6-2 3-6 2-1 Paula Badosa
20:10 , Will CastleWith the score at 30-30, the best point of the match is won by Boulter to further lift Centre Court, stretching to stay in it before reading Badosa like a book. She goes from one corner to the other and blasts a superb passing forehand past the Spaniard.
Badosa bites back to force deuce but Boulter is able to serve out the game. She’s battling here.
BREAK! *Katie Boulter 6-2 3-6 1-1 Paula Badosa
20:02 , Will CastleA couple big opportunities to break back immediately come and go as Badosa holds firm - but as the third comes, Boulter makes no mistake!
She stays in it for long enough for Badosa to net - and just like that, momentum is swinging back in the Brit’s favour!
BREAK! *Katie Boulter 6-2 3-6 0-1 Paula Badosa
19:53 , Will CastleDangerous waters for Boulter as she falls 0-30 down before responding with an ace.
This doesn’t act to knock Badosa out of kilter, who wins the next to get two break points.
Boulter fights back, however, saving both before surviving a third and a fourth at deuce.
But as a fifth break opportunity comes, Boulter’s resolve gives way as she fires a loose forehand wide. Badosa breaks.
SET! Katie Boulter 6-2 3-6 Paula Badosa*
19:43 , Will CastleBadosa withstands the extra pressure with ease and serves out the set to love, finishing it off with a superb passing forehand into the corner.
We go to a deciding set!
Katie Boulter 6-2 3-5 Paula Badosa*
19:42 , Will CastleHuge roar from the Boulter-partisan crowd as she seals a potentially pivotal hold.
She still needs to break Badosa on her next serve, but the pressure will be on the Spaniard.
BREAK! Katie Boulter 6-2 2-5 Paula Badosa*
19:39 , Will CastleSafe to say the mood inside Centre Court has changed.
Badosa gets the double break as another double fault for Boulter comes back to punish her.
However, the Brit has survived the prospect of Badosa serving out the set, breaking back to maybe put a tinge of doubt in the mind of the Spaniard.
Katie Boulter 6-2 1-4 Paula Badosa*
19:31 , Will CastleAnother big cheer from Badosa as she backs up her break and holds to 30.
The tide has begun to turn in the ninth-seed’s favour.
BREAK! *Katie Boulter 6-2 1-3 Paula Badosa
19:27 , Will CastleCracks begin to show for the first time from Boulter as Badosa breezes through her service game before forcing the Brit to deuce on defence.
Boulter’s serving has been near impeccable so far, but it’s a double fault that proves her downfall, before another unforced error seals the break for Badosa.
A huge scream erupts from the Spaniard. She’s in the mood now.
*Katie Boulter 6-2 1-1 Paula Badosa
19:19 , Will CastleReally good hold from Badosa as she fights back from 15-30 down to win the opening game of the second, serving it out with an ace on the line.
It’s not as emphatic as the service game that ensues, mind you. Flawless from Boulter as she holds to love once more.
The Brit will take some beating this evening.
SET! *Katie Boulter 6-2 Paula Badosa
19:12 , Will CastleNo sign of nerves for Boulter who serves out the set to love!
A perfect first set to kickstart her Wimbledon campaign.
Katie Boulter 5-2 Paula Badosa*
19:10 , Will CastleBadosa might be finding her range as she fights back to 30-30 on Boulter’s serve with some big shots. The Brit is nevertheless able to see out the game and back up he double-break.
Boulter then gets a set point on Badosa’s serve but can’t see it out, with the Spaniard forcing deuce and eventually sealing a hard-fought hold.
BREAK! Katie Boulter 4-1 Paula Badosa*
19:01 , Will CastleAnother straightforward hold for Boulter, who is looking calm and composed on Centre Court, already in the swing of things now that the sun is no longer blazing on the grass.
It’s the opposite to Badosa, who is falling foul of unforced errors and gives Boulter another opportunity to break.
The Spaniard doesn’t even make her work for it, double faulting to allow Boulter race into a 4-1 lead!
Emma Raducanu into the second round
18:58 , Flo CliffordMimi Xu dug deep to hold serve, forcing Raducanu to serve for the match, and from 0-30 down the British No 1 sealed it.
“I’m super pleased to have come through, it’s so difficult playing another Brit first up. Mimi is a really dangerous player, she’s so young and she’s got some weapons at her disposal.”
She thanks the crowd for their support “on both sides” - “It was a really nice atmosphere.
“I had some really good patches and I had some moments where I lost my focus. I’m really happy with how I toughed it out and won the important points today.
“I’m glad people were having fun today - I saw a champagne cork fly onto the court, cheers to you! I love playing in this atmosphere, it’s my favourite tournament by far.” Lots of applause as she heads to sign autographs and make her way off court.
BREAK! Katie Boulter 2-1 Paula Badosa
18:53 , Will CastleBoulter battles from behind to prevent an early break and hold her first serve.
Badosa looks on course for a straightforward hold again - but once more, Boulter fights back, forcing deuce with a sublime backhand return before a double fault gives her a break point.
She takes the opportunity gladly and draws first blood!
Emma Raducanu backs up the break
18:47 , Flo CliffordDespite the best efforts of some idiot punter’s alarm going off in the crowd, Raducanu - from 40-0 up - eventually holds to 30.
She now leads 6-3, 5-2, and is a game away from a place in the second round.
Katie Boulter in action on Centre Court
18:45 , Will CastleWe turn our attention back to Centre Court now with British No 2 Katie Boulter finally in action against ninth-seed Paula Badosa.
She’s had to wait a while, and Centre has all but emptied out after that exhausting epic between Alcaraz and Fognini. Here’s hoping the fans have just gone for a breather.
Badosa has held her first serve, and is now 15-30 up on defence.
Emma Raducanu breaks again
18:43 , Flo CliffordA swift break to love and Raducanu is back on top in this topsy-turvy second set.
Mimi Xu breaks back!
18:40 , Flo CliffordThe rollercoaster continues! Two double faults put Raducanu under pressure, and Xu eventually breaks back - again! Raducanu leads 6-3, 3-2.
Emma Raducanu breaks again
18:33 , Flo CliffordThree breaks on the trot in this one as Raducanu wrestles back control, breaking Mimi Xu for a 3-1 lead in this second set. Can she back up the break this time?
Carlos Alcaraz stutters to opening Wimbledon win in five-set epic against Fabio Fognini
18:31 , Will CastleIt’s doubtful Carlos Alcaraz will need to be told. If the effervescent, at times mesmerising, 22-year-old Spaniard wants to claim his third consecutive Wimbledon title, he’ll have to play a damn sight better than he did here on day one. For tennis’s hottest property, this was a stutter of a start.
Gasps were aplenty at last Friday’s draw ceremony when wily old fox Fabio Fognini was picked to face the defending champion. The old-school maverick is entering his final months on tour and, at the age of 38, seemed a routine first round conquest for Alcaraz, himself on an 18-match win-streak following his French Open triumph against Jannik Sinner. Yet the inspired Italian thrived in a final big-match moment here, conducting the 15,000 in attendance with a brash arrogance even if, in the end, he came up short.
Ultimately, Alcaraz prevailed in five captivating sets, emerging triumphant via a 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 scoreline, over four-and-a-half hours, on the hottest opening day in Wimbledon history. New knights of the realm Gareth Southgate and David Beckham endured their fair share of unconvincing victories in England colours and they witnessed another one here, perched in the front row of the Royal Box.
Kieran Jackson reports from Wimbledon:
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Alcaraz stutters to opening Wimbledon win in five-set epic against Fognini
Mimi Xu breaks back
18:29 , Flo CliffordWhat’s this?! Raducanu races to 40-0 on serve courtesy of some brilliant serving but is pegged back to deuce - and Xu breaks back at the first time of asking!
Alcaraz gives departing Fognini his flowers
18:27 , Will CastleThis was Fabio Fognini’s last ever match at Wimbledon before bidding farewell to the sport. After that performance, Carlos Alcaraz isn’t sure why!
“I don’t know why this is his last Wimbledon, he can still play,” he said. “Unbelievable, I have to give him the credit. A great match, he’s a great player.
“A little bit sad that it’s his last Wimbledon but happy to have shared the court with him so many times.”
Emma Raducanu breaks in second set
18:26 , Flo CliffordMimi Xu has grown into this match but has her resistance been broken? She had chances to hold in a mammoth service game but was eventually broken after multiple deuces.
Emma Raducanu leads the teenager 6-3, 2-0.
GAME SET & MATCH! *Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-6 6-1 Fabio Fognini
18:20 , Will CastleCARLOS ALCARAZ GETS IT DONE!
In a back-and-forth final game fitting of the match as a whole, Alcaraz holds to 15 to put an all-time classic Wimbledon first rounder to bed.
Fognini pushed the second seed to the limit, but when the pressure was on, Alcaraz’s quality shone through.
What. A. Match.
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-6 5-1 Fabio Fognini*
18:16 , Will CastleFogioni holds to 30 after another nervy service game in this fifth set.
He’s on the board. Now, an on-fire Alcaraz serves for the match.
Elsewhere at Wimbledon
18:12 , Flo CliffordElsewhere, Felix Auger-Aliassime has finally won that five-set epic against James Duckworth.
Harriet Dart is now locked in a decider against Dalma Galfi, having split the first two sets 6-3 each.
Marketa Vondrousova has been pegged back to 5-4 from a 3-0 lead, after taking the first set 6-1, but she’s serving for the match now.
And Henry Searle - boys’ champion here two years ago - is staring down the barrel of defeat, 5-1 down to Ethan Quinn in the fourth set and two sets to one down.
*Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-6 5-0 Fabio Fognini
18:12 , Will CastleThe wind is fully in Alcaraz’s sails now!
Ace after ace, unreturned serve after unreturned serve, and the Spaniard holds to love.
He looked really out of sorts after the fourth set, but Alcaraz is now on the verge of getting through the first round unscathed.
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-6 4-0 Fabio Fognini*
18:10 , Will CastleAfter over four hours of play, Alcaraz might be finally running away with this!
Fognini looks on course to a straightforward hold as he takes a 40-0 lead, but some sloppy first serves sees Alcaraz eat into that advantage.
At 40-30, he puts too much on a drop shot, allowing Alcaraz to chase it down and fire an unreturnable shot from close range. Fognini has been taken to deuce, and he’s rattled.
Alcaraz gets the chance to break but gets wrong-footed by a passing forehand. With a second break point, though, there’s no mistake from Alcaraz as he gets over the line!
Emma Raducanu takes the first set
18:09 , Flo CliffordBrisk and businesslike from Emma Raducanu, who takes the first set 6-3 against Welsh teenager Mimi Xu.
The former US Open champion has a laugh with someone in the crowd, who’s just popped a champagne cork that’s flown over her head and into the service box.
Raducanu takes to the court again to practice some serves while we wait for Xu to come back, as she’s headed off court for a reset.
Update from Centre Court
18:05 , Will CastleThe spectator looks to be alright as they’re helped out of the stands - and after 15 minutes, we’re about to get back underway.
No three-minute warm-up - they’re opting to just throw themselves straight back into the action.
Elsewhere at SW19
17:55 , Flo CliffordBilly Harris has joined Oliver Tarvet as British men into the second round, having swept aside Dusan Lajovic 6-2, 6-2, 6-4. Henry Searle now trails by two sets to one against American Ethan Quinn.
Harriet Dart is a set up against Hungary’s Dalma Galfi, while 14th seed Andrey Rublev is two sets to love up against Laslo Djere.
Felix Auger-Aliassime is having a typically difficult time of things on grass, locked in a fifth set against Australian James Duckworth. The Canadian 25th seed leads by a break in the decider.
And 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova is making light work of 32nd seed and Nottingham champion McCartney Kessler. She’s up 6-1, 3-0.
Spectator falls ill on Centre Court, play paused
17:52 , Will CastleThere’s a pause in play while a spectator, sitting in the sun, is treated by medics.
A reminder to stay hydrated in this searing heat.
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-6 3-0 Fabio Fognini*
17:49 , Will CastleThere is no stopping the drama in this match!
Fognini storms to a 0-30 lead off the back of being broken, and a wonderful passing backhand down the line gives him two opportunities to break himself!
But we’ve seen this before - some Alcaraz brilliance, including a trademark dropshot, see him save both and force deuce.
An ace and a Fognini unforced error allow Alcaraz to scrape out the hold.
*Emma Raducanu 2-1 Mimi Xu
17:44 , Flo CliffordOver on Court 1, Emma Raducanu has raced through the opening two games of her first-round encounter with 17-year-old main draw debutant Mimi Xu.
But the teenager has battled to a first hold, withstanding a couple of break points and multiple deuces.
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-6 2-0 Fabio Fognini*
17:44 , Will CastleHe’s a long way from home, but Alcaraz has drawn first blood in the fifth!
The crowd are loving Fognini at the moment as he storms into a 40-15 lead, with the game fully in his control.
But as an Alcaraz shot clips the net cord, the on-rushing Fognini can’t hold his momentum and crashes into the net - the first error of a few that prove his downfall in this game.
A couple more unforced errors come and go, before Alcaraz reads a drop shot and knocks it past the Italian to break!
*Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-6 1-0 Fabio Fognini
17:39 , Will CastleAlcaraz first hold in three service games comes at a good time as he gets the fifth set off to a positive start.
Nervy moments as the game sat poised at 40-30, but a backhand return that went just wide was enough to get Alcaraz over the line.
SET! Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-6 Fabio Fognini*
17:29 , Will CastleFognini holds to love, and we are heading to a fifth and final set!
This is quite something we are watching. Are we about to see the favourite crash out in the first round? The way Fognini’s playing, it’s far from out of the question.
Don’t take your eyes off this one!
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-5 Fabio Fognini
17:25 , Will CastleA double break for Fognini - and Alcaraz is in troubled waters!
Shaky start to a pivotal game for Alcaraz as he double faults, but he clicks into gear to regain the advantage and eventually take it to 40-30.
Things then threaten to unravel as a wild shot off the frame rockets out of the court, before Fognini gets the chance for a double break.
Alcaraz saves the first opportunity, but a wide backhand slice gives the Italian daylight in the fourth!
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-4 Fabio Fognini*
17:20 , Will CastleA crucial hold for Fognini, not allowing Alcaraz to bounce back from the break like he has in previous sets.
We’re on course for a fifth set as things stand.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-3 Fabio Fognini
17:14 , Will CastleFognini breaks Alcaraz once more - to some reaction from Centre Court!
Superb again from the Italian who shows his knack for sending Alcaraz from corner to corner forcing him to blow out and keep the break very much possible at 30-30.
He then gets a bit of luck as his slice just creeps in after floating over the tape, before Alcaraz goes long to concede the break.
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-2 Fabio Fognini*
17:09 , Will CastleMore like it from Alcaraz who replies to a whipped forehand with a controlled backhand into the corner, giving the chasing Fognini little chance of return.
This takes the game to 15-30 but Fognini keeps his head up, turning it around and slapping overhead to hold.
*Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-1 Fabio Fognini
17:04 , Will CastleFognini starts with the searing intent of sealing an early break, firing a forehand pass to go 0-30 up.
Alcaraz responds with a shot that leaves Fognini on the grass, where he lies for a few extra seconds to soak up the Wimbledon sunshine. But Fognini does what he needs to go 15-40 up and get two chances at breaking.
Just like in the previous set, the Spaniard does not take this lying down. He saves both to force deuce, and while he concedes the next point, he survives again by reading Fognini’s return to a drop shot, closing him down at the net and volleying into open space.
Now it’s Fognini’s time to fight back, denying a handful of game points to take the duration of the game into eight minutes-plus.
But eventually, Alcaraz’s serve goes unreturned and he grits out the hold.
Joao Fonseca beats Jacob Fearnley
16:55 , Flo CliffordFearnley waves to the crowd but looks bitterly disappointed as he heads off. A hugely promising grass-court campaign comes to an abrupt end.
For 18-year-old Joao Fonseca, it’s his first main-draw win at Wimbledon.
“It means a lot, it’s special for me, my favourite grand slam since my childhood,” he says on-court. “I’m sorry winning against a British guy but thanks a lot for the support here! Thanks for respecting the tennis today, and Jacob’s a great friend, a great player, and I look forward to my next meetings against him.
“At the beginning of the match both of us were very nervous. It’s unbelievable, it’s a dream, so very happy to have this opportunity.
He says “work” is the key to his success, “and believing that I can play good tennis. Work, belief and dream.”
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 1-1 Fabio Fognini*
16:53 , Kieran JacksonFognini holds to 15, with the pair playing out a stunning point at 30-0.
Alcaraz lobs superbly with a single-handed backhand before Fognini returns with a hot dog, the Spaniard eventually going long. Both players exchange a smile.
On serve at the start of the fourth.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jacob Fearnley 4-6, 1-6, 6-7(5) Joao Fonseca
16:50 , Flo CliffordFearnley goes long and it’s the Brazilian wunderkind who is into the second round!
He’s got a healthy contingent supporting him here and they all leap to their feet.
*Jacob Fearnley 4-6, 1-6, 6-6 Joao Fonseca
16:49 , Flo CliffordAnother enormous ace down the T and Fonseca has match point on the Fearnley serve. 6-5.
Jacob Fearnley 4-6, 1-6, 6-6 Joao Fonseca*
16:49 , Flo CliffordFearnley double faults for 5-3 - oh, and shanks into the net! Fonseca hauls himself back into this.
A huge ace and we’re back level at 5-5.
*Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 1-0 Fabio Fognini
16:49 , Kieran JacksonWith a trademark deft drop shot, Alcaraz holds.
It’s been a tough battle for 38-year-old Fognini out here in the sun - how much has he got left here?
*Jacob Fearnley 4-6, 1-6, 6-6 Joao Fonseca
16:47 , Flo CliffordAdvantage nullified as Fearnley takes the ball early and nets, gesturing with his racquet in frustration at what he should have done.
But he gets the mini-break back, coming to the net and thundering the winner past Fonseca! 4-2 to Fearnley and they change ends.
5-2 as the Scot lands the ball at Fonseca’s feet, and the Brazilian can’t get it back in play!
*Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 Fabio Fognini
16:46Alcaraz clinches the third set!
The Spaniard is a relieved man as, on his second set point, he finally finds his range with his forehand. Fognini can only slap an attempted pass into the net, and the Spaniard is a relieved man as he clenches his fist at the net.
Three hours in, the defending champion is a set away from the second round.
*Jacob Fearnley 4-6, 1-6, 6-6 Joao Fonseca
16:45 , Flo CliffordFearnley gets a mini-break as Fonseca dumps into the net. 2-1.
TIE-BREAK! *Jacob Fearnley 4-6, 1-6, 6-6 Joao Fonseca
16:43 , Flo CliffordA tidy volley brings up set point for Fearnley on the Fonseca serve...
The Scot overcooks the forehand for deuce - and nets on the next rally.
And we’re heading to a tie-break on Court 1 as Fearnley goes long! It looks like he was put off-balance by a Fonseca forehand that just skimmed the line, but looked to be drifting out.
Jacob Fearnley 4-6, 1-6, 6-5 Joao Fonseca*
16:39 , Flo CliffordEventually Fearnley gets the hold and the crowd goes wild.
Fonseca serves to stay in the set...
*Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 6-5 Fabio Fognini
16:39 , Will CastleAfter a gruelling few games, it’s a rather simple service game for Alcaraz who holds to love, putting the pressure on Fognini to force a tiebreak.
Some match we’ve got here.
Elsewhere at Wimbledon
16:38 , Flo CliffordThe two show courts are producing plenty of drama but elsewhere, Madison Keys has levelled things at a set apiece against Elena-Gabriela Ruse; Holger Rune has been dragged to a fifth set against Nicolas Jarry after leading by two sets to love;
On Britwatch, Henry Searle won his first set 6-4 against Ethan Quinn but is 3-1 down in the second; Billy Harris took the opener 6-3 against Dusan Lajovic; and Hannah Klugman lost her first 6-1 and is a break down at 4-3 in the second set against Leylah Fernandez.
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 5-5 Fabio Fognini*
16:36 , Will CastleFognini needs to hold here - and he starts by storming into a 30-0 lead, aided by an ace in the second point.
A straight backhand down the line then edges out by a hair’s width for Alcaraz, giving the the Italian three shots at levelling the score.
While the Spaniard is able to claw it back to 40-30, Fognini makes no mistake when the pressure is on and seals a vital hold.
*Jacob Fearnley 4-6, 1-6, 5-5 Joao Fonseca
16:34 , Flo CliffordIt seems a foolhardy mission to out-hit Joao Fonseca, as Fearnley finds to his cost, getting frustrated in a lengthy baseline exchange and firing long to go 30-40 down.
But an ace brings him to deuce - the Court 1 crowd roar in encouragement - and a brilliant passing shot gets him to game point.
But the very loud Brazilian contingent have something to cheer about as Fonseca blasts a winner down the line. Deuce again.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 5-4 Fabio Fognini
16:32 , Will CastleAlcaraz is serving for the set - but it all goes wrong at the start.
After losing the first point, a looping effort that lands on the baseline looks certain to be put away by Alcaraz’s formidable forehand - but he botches it completely and hits the net cord!
The Spaniard hits back but can’t return a shot on the volley to give Fognini two break points. But just like in games gone by, Alcaraz manages to survive both thanks in part to two powerful first serves, forcing deuce.
Then comes the best point of the match so far - an UNBELIEVABLE rally that sees both shoot from corner to corner, Alcaraz pulling out a defensive lob that lands on the baseline before Fognini hits a delicious smash to leave the second seed in no man’s land, eventually finishing off the point with a volley into an open court.
And with the advantage in hand, Fognini makes it count and secures the break! He’s still alive in this second set!
Jacob Fearnley 4-6, 1-6, 5-4 Joao Fonseca*
16:27 , Flo CliffordA second serve ace to kick off this game shows that Fearnley means business. A strong hold means Fonseca must serve to stay in this set.
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 5-3 Fabio Fognini*
16:26 , Will CastleFognini is furious with himself for failing to return Alcaraz’s lob with a through-the-legs effort, and it seems to rattle him.
At 15-15, he gives away a double fault before Alcaraz strikes again to get two break points. However, the Italian fights back.
An unreturned serve saves the first for Fognini, before playing Alcaraz off the court to force deuce.
Fognini fluffs a chance to hold with his double fault of the game, and Alcaraz punishes him by sweeping a forehand cross-court to get another break point.
Fognini then goes wide to end a messy service game, giving Alcaraz the break and a chance to serve for the set!
Jacob Fearnley 4-6, 1-6, 4-3 Joao Fonseca*
16:20 , Flo CliffordFearnley hits back with a confidence-boosting hold to love as Fonseca hits long. This third set feels more evenly-balanced so far, but the Scot has it all to do against a very impressive young talent. Fonseca’s serve in particular has been spectacular.
*Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 4-3 Fabio Fognini
16:18 , Will CastleNail-biting stuff from the second seed!
Unforced errors galore from Alcaraz as Fognini storms into a 15-40 lead on defence.
The Spaniard needs to step up and save two break points - and that he does, first with a deft drop shot before acing to force deuce.
Alcaraz wins the first to take advantage and looks on course to survive - but floated drop shot is met by Fognini who manages to squeeze it over the net! It’s met to a rousing reception by Centre Court, as well as a smile from Alcaraz.
Fognini then sees a chance to break go awry, with Alcaraz finally getting his shot into that corner to bring it back for a third deuce.
And this time, the Spaniard manages to hold on - acing Fognini to survive!
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