London: Carlos Alcaraz, locked in a five-set struggle at Centre Court, looked toward his coach Monday and shouted something about how Fabio Fognini — 38 years old, retiring after this

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.

When Wimbledon gets started Monday, the 22-year-old from Spain will play in the first Centre Court match of this fortnight, an honor reserved for the previous year's men's champion. The contest against Fabio Fognini will open Alcaraz's a bid for a third consecutive championship at the place.