Carlos Alcaraz admitted feeling like a nervous newcomer despite arriving at Wimbledon on an 18-match winning streak, as the defending champion survived a tense five-set tussle with Fabio Fognini to reach the second round on Monday.

Fresh from lifting trophies in Rome, the French Open, and Queen’s Club, the Spaniard was expected to breeze through his opener but was pushed hard by an inspired Fognini before eventually prevailing 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in a marathon 4½-hour contest on Centre Court.

“It felt like it was the first time,” said Alcaraz, who beat Novak Djokovic last year to claim his second Wimbledon crown. “Wimbledon is different. I was really nervous in the beginning.”

Despite his grass-court pedigree, Alcaraz struggled to find rhythm as Fognini took advantage of the Spaniard’s edginess.

Yet the five-time Grand Slam winner steadied himself in the deciding set, racing away to secure the win under the Centre Court roof.

Looking ahead, the 22-year-old faces British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, ranked in the 700s, but vowed not to underestimate his next opponent.

“If he’s here, he deserves it,” Alcaraz said. “I have to think that it’s going to be a really tough match. I have to be ready and play my best.”