An ice time for Sabalenka, but Alcaraz feels the heat

LONDON — Carlos Alcaraz survived a major scare in his Wimbledon opener on Monday, while Aryna Sabalenka kept her cool to progress on the hottest opening day in the tournament's history.

Temperatures at the All England Club on Monday topped 32 C (89.6 Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record for the start of the tournament of 29.3 Celsius set in 2001.

Alcaraz dug deep for a 7-5, 6-7 (5),7-5, 2-6, 6-1 win over 38-year-old Fabio Fognini in a grueling clash that lasted four hours and 37 minutes on Centre Court.

It was first time since Roger Federer narrowly beat Alejandro Falla in 2010 that a defending champion had been taken to a fifth set in the Wimbledon first round.

The world No 2 shrugged off an inconsistent display, including 62 unforced errors, as he refused to wilt in the heat.

"I don't know why it is probably Fabio's last Wimbledon, because the level he has shown shows he can still play for three or four more years," said the 22-year-old Spaniard.

"Playing on Centre Court for the first match of any tournament is never easy. Wimbledon is special and different. I just tried to play my best, but I would say that I could play better."

Alcaraz, who has never lost in a Grand Slam first round in 18 appearances, faces British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the second round.

The five-time Grand Slam champion is bidding to become the fifth man in the Open era to win at least three consecutive Wimbledon titles after Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic.