India, July 1 -- The retiring Fabio Fognini was handed a final shot at basking in the limelight when he was drawn against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the first round of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships - earning a coveted spot on the iconic Centre Court. In a season marred by injuries, with just three wins in 14 appearances, few expected the 38-year-old to trouble the in-form Spaniard - let alone take a set. But after four hours and 37 minutes in the intense London heat, the Centre Court crowd were on their feet, chanting his name, in awe of the remarkable tennis Fognini produced.

Alcaraz came into Wimbledon riding an 18-match winning streak - the longest of his career - and chasing history as he aimed to join Bjorn Borg as only...