Carlos Alcaraz, Defending Wimbledon Champion, Survives First Round Scare

Alcaraz overcomes Tiafoe in five-set thriller

The Spaniard overcomes a strong challenge from the American to advance to the second round.

Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz avoided a surprise exit at Wimbledon by holding off American Frances Tiafoe in a five-set thriller. Alcaraz, who is seeking his second Grand Slam title of the year, won 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (8), 4-6, 7-5 in a match that lasted more than three hours.

Alcaraz started the match strongly, breaking Tiafoe's serve in the first game. He held on to his serve through the first set, and broke Tiafoe again in the second set to take a 2-0 lead.

Tiafoe fought back in the third set, breaking Alcaraz's serve in the fifth game. Alcaraz broke back in the next game, but Tiafoe broke him again to take the set 7-6 (8).

Alcaraz regained control of the match in the fourth set, breaking Tiafoe's serve in the third game and holding on to his serve through the rest of the set.

In the fifth set, Alcaraz broke Tiafoe's serve in the seventh game. Tiafoe broke back in the ninth game, but Alcaraz broke him again in the 11th game to win the match.

Alcaraz will face German qualifier Oscar Otte in the second round.