Carlos Alcaraz secured a more hard-fought victory than expected against Fabio Fognini, winning 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1, beginning his double crown defense at Wimbledon not without difficulties.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Carlos Alcaraz Thanks Fabio Fognini for 'Incredible' First Round Wimbledon Match.

Alcaraz hopes to become the first player on the men's tour since Bjorn Borg to complete the French Open-Wimbledon double in consecutive years. Alcaraz is only the third defending Wimbledon champion all-time to be taken to five sets in the first round of the following year's Grand Slam.