Carlos Alcaraz survives major Wimbledon scare in gruelling five-setter with Fabio Fognini

The reigning champion set up a second-round meeting with British qualifier Oliver Tarvet.

Carlos Alcaraz had to scrap his way into the second round (Ben Whitley/PA)

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz made heavy weather of his opening match at Wimbledon, needing five sets to see off Italian veteran Fabio Fognini on a baking Centre Court.

On the hottest opening day in Wimbledon history with the temperature reaching a sweltering 32 degrees Celsius, Alcaraz was almost caught cold by a 38-year-old who is due to retire at the end of the year.