Heat and High Stakes: Alcaraz's Wimbledon Survival Thriller

On a record-breaking hot opening day at Wimbledon, tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz faced a formidable challenge but ultimately triumphed against veteran Fabio Fognini. The Spaniard, pursuing a third consecutive title, battled severe heat and fierce competition to advance after a grueling five-set match.

As temperatures soared to 32 degrees Celsius, Alcaraz endured more than four hours on the court, highlighting the intense conditions. Despite a mid-match interruption due to a heat-stricken spectator, Alcaraz's resilience shone through as he secured a 7-5 6-7(5) 7-5 2-6 6-1 victory. Meanwhile, other prominent players struggled to acclimatize, with some making early exits.

In the women's draw, top seed Aryna Sabalenka progressed smoothly against Canadian Carson Branstine, despite a tougher second set. The sweltering heat tested athletes' endurance, with women's contenders like Amanda Anisimova delivering stellar performances. The intensity at Wimbledon continues as players adapt to the challenging climate, leaving fans eager for the unfolding drama.

(With inputs from agencies.)