Carlos Alcaraz conversation with opponent overheard at end of Wimbledon classic

Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz sent a classy message to opponent Fabio Fognini after the pair's epic five-set match on Monday. Alcaraz, 22, narrowly beat 38-year-old Fognini on Centre Court as the Italian put up a tremendous fight against the 2025 favourite, who's aiming to make it three Wimbledon men's singles titles in a row.

Fognini, a nine-time ATP singles champion, made it clear ahead of his visit to the All England Club that this is his final season. And the veteran went out with his head held high, winning the second and fourth sets against Alcaraz, who had some kind words for him.

The Spaniard was spotted talking to Fognini after the end of their thrilling contest and in his press post-match conference, Alcaraz was asked to reveal what was said. "I just told him that I have big respect to him," the two-time Wimbledon champion replied.

"He's the best. Yeah, I have a big respect (for) him. Everything that he has done in his career, what he has done today. I love watching him play.

"I'm just glad to have shared the court once again with him, that I have shared the locker rooms, the tournament with him. Just amazing. Just have big respect to him."

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On X, formerly Twitter, Alcaraz added: "38 years old? Congratulations on the incredible match! It was an honor to share this battle at Wimbledon with you!"

The Spanish superstar always anticipated a difficult match, telling reporters: "I knew at the beginning that it was going to be really difficult playing against Fabio. Doesn't matter, I mean, it's his last year, his last tournaments.

"The talent that Fabio has is immense. In every match he can show his best tennis. I think today he has shown one of his best tennis. But yes, really proud about getting through and give myself another chance to be better in the next round."

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Fognini reciprocated Alcaraz's kind words, saying: "At the moment I think he's probably the best player in the world. He played against Jannik [Sinner] one month ago amazing final. So all the respect for him, yeah."

Up next for Alcaraz is British qualifier Oliver Tarvet. The second-round match will be played on Wednesday, with the time and court yet to be confirmed.

Tarvet, 21, is ranked 733rd in the world and earned his place in the second round by beating Switzerland's Leandro Riedi 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Monday. The Brit is relishing the chance to face Alcaraz and commented: "I'm quietly confident I can win against anyone. Alcaraz isn't an exception to that.

"He's done an incredible amount in the tennis world. He's a difficult guy not to respect. I will just go out there and try and treat it like another match. At the end of the day, for me, I try and play the ball, not the player."