Alcaraz and his tough Wimbledon debut: "I can't serve or subtract."

"I can't serve or subtract, it's a disgrace." This phrase is the unmistakable sign of the helplessness and discomfort Carlos Alcaraz experienced in his Wimbledon debut . The words came before the only tie-break of the match, won by Fabio Fognini, a daring opponent whose performance came close to emulating Robin Soderling's triumph at Roland Garros 16 years ago.

Her words on serve weren't the only ones that betrayed clear discomfort on the court. "Do you have a problem with me?" she snapped at a spectator in the middle of her serve. Carlitos headed to the stands, more focused on her than on the game at that moment , unable to concentrate on an excessively long duel. It was, without a doubt, her most painful debut since competing at Wimbledon.

Fognini's high level of play was a welcome surprise in a debut attended by David Beckham and Gareth Southgate. Carlitos also had words for the Italian during the match: "He'll play until he's 50, man. He's got the level to play until he's 50." At 38, Fabio hasn't won an ATP match since November, but he had the power to shatter Alcaraz's dreams.

"I don't know why it's his last Wimbledon , because he's shown an incredible level that he can continue playing at for three or four years. I have to give him credit for this great match. He's a great player, he's shown that throughout his career with his talent . It's sad that it's probably his last Wimbledon, but I'm happy to have shared the court with him," Carlitos explained in the press room.

A victory from the start

The serve was Alcaraz's weapon of choice. His 14 aces built an unforgettable victory, thanks to the scare and the chance to advance in a tournament where he is defending his two-time championship. Novak Djokovic dreams of winning his 25th Grand Slam, a difficult goal while a boy from Murcia continues to roam the London grass.

"The first match on center court at any tournament is never easy . I was serving well and playing well, but Wimbledon is different and special. I tried to do my best and control my nerves, but I can do better . Overall, it was a good match," Alcaraz summed up the debut, which came close to an accident but ultimately ended with a draw.

Waiting for Oliver Tarvet

Unable to control Fognini's resistance in the first four sets, Alcaraz emerged from the error (and the screams) to secure a victory that would take him to the second round of Wimbledon. Rage seems to be Carlitos' driving force for this Grand Slam, a goal on his list, even more so after his thrilling triumph at Roland Garros.

Now he faces Oliver Tarvet, his opponent in the second round. "I saw his name when he qualified for the main draw. I think he's in college and plays very well on grass . If he's in the second round, it means he's at a high level. I'll try to play my best tennis and work tomorrow to improve the things that haven't gone well. Especially the returns, which he serves well and are important on grass. And I'll try to recover." If the scare is less severe and the match shorter, he'll be grateful. The defense of the crown has begun.