KIM Jong-un wept as he watched himself back draping flags over the coffins of North Korean troops he sent to die on Putin’s front-line in Ukraine.

Around 12,000 North Koreans were shipped over to fight for Russia – but they were ill-prepared for the battlefield and many were decimated.

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Kim Jong-un teared up as he watched back himself laying the North Korean flag over soldiers’ coffins[/caption]

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The coffins are thought to contain the bodies of North Koreans killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine[/caption]

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Kim enters the ceremony with his daughter Kim Ju-ae, right, and Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, left[/caption]

Kim hosted a ceremony which remembered the soldiers taken out by Zelensky’s brave army – and things got emotional for the tyrant.

Thousands of North Koreans stood to attention in the vast auditorium, with Kim in the front row.

Images of Kim draping the North Korean flag over soldiers’ coffins were broadcast on a giant screen at the front while a huge orchestra played emotional music.

Women in long dresses sang passionately and there was even a harp player stationed on the stage.

Kim draped flags over at least six coffins, and could be seen resting his hands on them in reflection.

Watching the scenes back, the dictator’s eyes shone with emotion.

Other members of the audience – which reportedly included North Korean and Russian soldiers – were also visibly moved.

The state-run Korea Central News Agency hailed the gala for reaffirming the “ties of friendship and the genuine internationalist obligation between the peoples and armies of the two countries that were forged at the cost of blood.

The event was attended by Russia’s culture minster Olga Lyubimov, who was visiting the Hermit Kingdom to mark the first anniversary of the strategic partnership treaty.

Signed last June by Putin and Kim, it included a mutual defence pact – guaranteeing they will protect one another.

The treaty is believed to have majorly ramped up co-operation between the nations.

Moscow is understood to be providing Pyongyang with vital military technology – including blueprints for missile guidance systems and air defence weapons.

And after months of speculation, the leaders finally admitted that North Korean troops had fought for Russia.

Kim’s men were first reported to be in Russia back in October, and the following month there was strong evidence of them on the battlefield.

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Kim seemed moved by the sacrifices of his troops[/caption]

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The military ceremony was a pompous affair complete with a choir and orchestra[/caption]

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The event marked a year since North Korea and Russia signed a mutual defence agreement[/caption]

They fought alongside Putin’s men mainly in the Kursk region – an area of Russia which Ukraine took in a surprise incursion.

Thousands of the North Koreans died, with analysts suggesting they were not prepared for the modern style of drone warfare.

However, it was admitted that the Korean soldiers were ultimately instrumental in Russia winning back the land in March this year.

As the rotten partnership blooms, North Korea is expected to send another 6,000 troops over to Russia later this summer.

The military assistance has been slammed by concerned nations, including South Korea and Japan.

Officials in Seoul have raised concerns that it violates UN sanctions on North Korea.

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Kim and the Russian minister had much to chat about[/caption]

YULIA PUTINTSEVA burst into tears as she suffered a brutal 6-0 6-0 defeat to Amanda Anisimova at Wimbledon.

The Kazakh star reached the fourth round in SW19 last year, even dumping out then-world No1 Iga Swiatek in the process.

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Yulia Putintseva cried into her towel[/caption]

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The Kazakh was trailing 6-0 5-0 at the time[/caption]

BBC

Amanda Anisimova and Putintseva shared a brief handshake[/caption]

Her Wimbledon stay was to be a much shorter one this time around, as she fell to Anisimova in just 45 minutes without winning a game.

During the changeover at 6-0 5-0, Putintseva cried into her towel.

Anisimova, 23, was ruthless from there, winning the next game to complete the drubbing.

The pair then engaged in a brusque handshake before Putintseva swiftly left the court.

Anisimova won 51 points to Putintseva’s paltry total of 21.

The American also struck 18 winners to 10 unforced errors.

Her opponent, meanwhile, hit just ONE winner throughout the entire contest, in addition to 14 unforced errors.

Anisimova, seeded 13th at this year’s Championships, will face Renata Zarazua in round two on Wednesday.

Putintseva was involved in an on-court row with Maria Sakkari at Bad Homburg last week.

Greek star Sakkari had just prevailed 7-5 7-6 when the flashpoint occurred.

Tempers flared when the pair shook hands at the end of the match as both fired insults at each other.

Sakkari told Putintseva to “act like a human being” and that “nobody likes you”.

She also slammed her for the lack of eye contact during their frosty hand shake.

Putintseva responded by sarcastically curtsying in front of Sakkari and then reportedly telling her to go “go f*** herself”.

In her on-court interview, Sakkari joked: “I don’t think she’s going to invite me for dinner for the rest of our lives.

“But I don’t care to be honest. I have very good friends.”

Putintseva then went on write on Instagram: “By the way – not that I care – I shook her hand as most women do.

“Clearly not according to the ‘hugging protocol’ some men seem to follow.”

https://x.com/SkySportsTennis

Putintseva was involved in an on-court spat with Maria Sakkari[/caption]

After some time apart, Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto met again. During the GMA Beyond 75 event, former lovers Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto met each other and exchanged pleasantries. “Beyond 75: The GMA Network 75th Anniversary Special” rolled out its red carpet over the weekend and gathered hundreds of stars for a single event. ... Read more

The post Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto Reconnected At GMA Event Months After Split appeared first on PhilNews.

SPIDER-MAN star Andrew Garfield has caught a new woman in his web – American actress Monica Barbaro.

The pair went public with their romance at Glastonbury and were seen holding hands and kissing as they watched sets across Worthy Farm.

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Andrew Garfield went public with his new girlfriend at Glastonbury[/caption]

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Andrew is dating stunning actress Monica Barbaro[/caption]

Andrew and Monica have been pictured a few times since January but insiders now confirm that the pair are an “official couple” and “happily dating.”

One VIP guest, who saw them on Friday and Saturday, told me: “Andrew and Monica are the real deal.

“They were in the posh teepee tents on site and spent a lot of time in and out of the VIP area, as well as out around the farm.

“On Friday she was posing for some pictures in the VIP area and he stood quite a distance away but looked really proud.

“By Saturday they were holding hands and kissing and cuddling.

“They both seemed really happy and were singing along to Gracie Abrams during her set.

“Andrew had been single since last year, when he split from Dr Kate Tomas, who describes herself as a “professional witch”.

At the time those close to the couple said Andrew fell for Kate — who offers readings, spiritual mentorship, consulting and masterclasses — because she was “very different from other women he’s dated” in the past.

They weren’t kidding. Andrew has been linked to celebrities including Phoebe Dynevor, Emma Stone, Rita Ora and Alyssa Miller.

So he’s definitely returned to type with Monica, the actress who landed her breakthrough Hollywood role with 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick.

She also appeared as singer Joan Baez alongside Timothee Chalamet in A Complete Unknown, which earned her an Oscar nod in the Best Supporting Actress category.

My Spidey senses tell me Andrew’s on to a winner here.

PAUL AND GRACIE FIND THEIR GUIDING LIGHT. . . AT 3.30AM

GLADIATOR actor Paul Mescal was the last man standing – albeit held upright by his singer girlfriend Gracie Abrams.

The loved-up couple were seen making the 25-minute walk back from dance mecca Block9 to their campsite at 3.30am yesterday morning, after hitting it hard all weekend.

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Paul and Gracie were also seen watching Olivia Rodrigo[/caption]

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Gracie performed on The Other Stage on Friday[/caption]

And they made sure they stayed on the right track, despite looking slightly worse for wear, by finding a bloke with a red light on his head who could lead the way.

A source said: “Paul and Gracie made sure they went out with a bang.

They were partying hard in Block9 until 3.30am and then decided to call it a night.

“They were having to hold each other up during the walk back.

“But in a genius move, they hired a man with a red light to walk ahead of them so they had something to follow all the way back to their campsite.”

Earlier in the evening, the couple were seen watching Olivia Rodrigo’s headline set on the Pyramid Stage, with Gracie even getting up on Paul’s shoulders.

Elsewhere, former Doctor Who actor Matt Smith and model Cara Delevingne partied until 3am at NYC Downlow.

Meanwhile, Mel C admitted she was knackered and called it a night at 2am after changing into an on-brand Adidas tracksuit.

Better call her Snorey Spice.

ALICE ACE IT

WOLF ALICE were one of my surprise highlights when they took to the Other Stage for a golden hour slot on Sunday evening.

Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell, dressed in white shorts and a matching top with blue stars, delivered a brilliant set that drew a huge crowd.

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Wolf Alice were a highlight of Glastonbury[/caption]

As well as smashing their anthemic new single Bloom Baby Bloom, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands with a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams.

ANDY’S GIRL PARTY PALS

ANDY CARROLL didn’t waste any time finding some new female friends, after his missus Lou Teasdale ditched the dirt and dust of Worthy Farm for a hotel.

Onlookers spotted the former England footballer watching The Prodigy on Sunday with two glamorous women and his pals.

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Andy draped his arms around both of them as they walked to and from the stage.

One reveller told me: “Andy was still living his best life even when Lou wasn’t there.

“He walked out to The Other Stage with a pretty blonde woman and put his arms around her as they headed there from the VIP area.

“It’s amazing he watched any of the set because he was talking to her almost non-stop when they played.

“Before the end of the set, he went and got a round of drinks for them all and the blonde woman joined him at the bar.

“On the way back into VIP, he was with a brunette and walked with his arm around her neck.

“He looked like he was having the time of his life.”

We’re pretty sure the hangover yesterday was as brutal as ours.

Andy, who started dating Lou after he split from his wife, ex Towie star Billi Mucklow, was spotted at Worthy Farm all weekend.

Meanwhile, make-up artist Lou was only seen on site on Friday and Saturday.

She shared photographs of herself sunbathing at Babington House, a posh members’ only club which is 30 minutes away from the festival.

I’m not surprised she fancied dipping her toes in the pool, given how hot it was down there this year.

MIGHTY MYLES

MY favourite set this year was the brilliant Myles Smith – who I grabbed for a selfie and a chat, below, following his performance on the Woodsies stage.

He was euphoric after his show, above, and it’s not surprising given the size of the crowd, which spilled out of the huge tent and deep into the field surrounding it.

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Myles Smith was a Glastonbury stand-out[/caption]

Myles is fast becoming a megastar, and after graduating to the Woodsies from the BBC Introducing Stage last year, I think massive things lie ahead for him.

I was at London’s O2 Arena in March when he picked up the Brit Award Rising Star gong, telling fans he used to play to 50 people before he got his big break.

Bring on Glastonbury 2027, where I think Myles will be moved on to an even bigger stage.

SURVIVOR LEWIS TO TOUR UK

I have good news If you didn’t get to see Lewis Capaldi’s secret set – as he is heading out on tour.

He made a brave return when he performed to well over 100,000 fans on the Pyramid Stage on Friday.

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Lewis Capaldi is heading out on tour[/caption]

Lewis has now revealed he will go on a ten-date tour across the country, starting at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on September 7.

The pre-sale will begin at 9am next Tuesday, while tickets go on general sale on July 10. I’m sure they’ll sell out quickly.

Lewis, who has been on a two-year break from music since his 2023 Glasto performance, where he struggled with anxiety, returned with emotional new single Survive.

Now he’s on course to score his sixth No1 this Friday.

Well deserved indeed.

HOT ROD OFF THE BOOZE

OLIVIA RODRIGO pledged her allegiance to the flag when she wore Union Jack hotpants for a spellbinding headline slot on Sunday night.

But despite claiming on stage one of her favourite things about Blighty is that “no one judges you for having a pint at noon”, I’ve learned she was one of a handful of sober ravers at the festival.

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Olivia Rodrigo wore Union Jack hotpants for a spellbinding headline slot on Sunday night[/caption]

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Olivia brought out The Cure’s Robert Smith[/caption]

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Olivia had a booze-free backstage area so she was in tip-top shape for the performance[/caption]

I can reveal that Olivia, who was joined by The Cure’s Robert Smith during her stonking set, had a booze-free backstage area so she was in tip-top shape for the performance.

She wasn’t the only one who still had fun while avoiding the bottle, as Radio 2’s Zoe Ball and TV presenter Davina McCall, who have both been sober for years, raved late into the night.

We spotted Davina and her long-term boyfriend Michael Douglas snogging like a couple of teenagers on the dancefloor of one backstage bar, before finally calling it a night at 2.45am on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, Zoe stuck to water and was seen dancing along to a remix of Duran Duran’s Girls On Film well into the early hours.

Judging by my hangover yesterday, perhaps I should try this when Glastonbury returns in 2027.

NO ENTRY FOR ALEXA AT VIP BAR

ALEXA CHUNG may be a top model, but that didn’t stop her from appearing to be refused entry to a VIP bar at the festival.

She was spotted trying to get into a special area at the festival following The 1975’s set on the Pyramid Stage on Friday night.

An onlooker said: “Alexa was chatting to security on the door outside the exclusive bar.

“She appeared to not have the right pass to get into the special area – so ended up heading back out into the festival.

“It was a bit awkward but Alexa was in good spirits and didn’t take it personally.”

We’ve all been there. Seems like model looks can only get you so far.

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DISCOVERED in a Surrey multi-story car park in 2001, she was famously known as the ‘Baby In Pink’. 

Sarah Meyer’s story first appeared on ITV’s This Morning 24 years ago and made her first appearance today. 

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She was abandoned by her birth mother[/caption]

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Police officer Wendy appeared on This Morning holding Sarah[/caption]

She was initially featured on the ITV show as a newborn in a bid to trace her parents. 

Found wrapped in a pink towel, her story captivated viewers.

More than two decades later, Sarah returned to This Morning to provide a significant life update to hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard. 

She shared details of her adoption, with footage showing her being cared for by former hosts Judy Finnigan and Richard Madeley during her initial appearance.

In the clip, Judy, then 57, held Sarah and told viewers: “This little sprog was abandoned in a multi-story carpark. She was barely an hour old, weighing just 7lbs.” 

After watching the tape back, Sarah said: “It was crazy seeing that again and being back here. It’s insane, full circle. I’ve been able to find my birth parents.

“My foster parents have always kept me informed about my past, and done it the right way.

“My backstory – they’ve shown me the clips and newspapers. I’ve always had my identity and history, that’s the way it should be. Any questions I’ve had, they answered.”

This week Sarah’s search for her birth parents will be shown in a documentary called Long Lost Family: Born Without A Trace. 

Sarah continued: “I’m proud of my story. I wanted to find out what is out there but also wanted to show who is out there that I’ve had a good life.

“I understand they’d also have the question of where am I now – I wanted to show them that I’m okay and give them that reassurance. I’m at peace with it and they can put it to bed.

“My birth mother thanked everyone for looking after me in a letter. 

“The amount of gratitude of the people who stepped up to be my family is immense, they don’t get enough gratitude. Nobody thanks them.

“They are the start of the family for those people, Wendy was the start of my family.” 

Sarah originally appeared on This Morning in 2001, as she was being held by a police officer called Wendy. 

Speaking to Cat and Ben today, Sarah described her birth father explaining how “insane” it is that they are “so alike.” 

We put Sarah’s DNA across the four being genealogical sites

Ariel Bruce, the lead researcher from Long Lost Family

She added: “My dad didn’t even know that I existed. The way he welcomed me into his family was insane. My nan worked in the hospital I was brought into.”

Speaking about her birth mother’s absence, Sarah said: “The door is open for my birth mother and always will be. 

“I’ve had 24 years to process my story. My mum has had a much shorter amount of time to process it. Life is complex.”

As the interview with Cat and Ben came to the end, a video of Richard Madeley speaking from his garden was played.

The TV presenter, 69, said: “What an end to an incredible story. We were so passionate about trying to find your family for you.

“Huge congratulations from Judy and from me. Have a great rest of your life and lots of love.” 

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Police went on to This Morning to appeal for help to track down her family[/caption]

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Sarah Meyer was left in a multistory carpark in 2001 and appeared on the ITV show’s sofa as a newborn in a bid for police to trace her parents[/caption]

Sarah was joined on the sofa by Ariel Bruce, the lead researcher from Long Lost Family who used Sarah’s DNA to finally get her answers on her birth parents.

Ariel Bruce, Long Lost Family’s lead researcher, joined Sarah on the sofa. Bruce, who utilized Sarah’s DNA, was instrumental in providing answers about her birth parents.

Speaking about her journey, Ariel said: “Sarah trusted us with her search and that’s the beginning. I’m very grateful to do this sort of work.

“We put Sarah’s DNA across the four being genealogical sites. 

“We use a combination of those connection and conventional genealogy to build a forensic narrative.

“It’s a mixture of science, good luck and detective work. It’s only the beginning of the story though.

“Having contact is just the beginning of a lifelong journey.”

JUDE BELLINGHAM’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro gave a rare and romantic glimpse into their relationship for his 22nd birthday.

The England midfielder and the 27-year-old Californian model have given little away about their life together… until now.

Instagram @ashlyncastro

Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro[/caption]

Instagram @ashlyncastro

Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro[/caption]

Instagram @ashlyncastro

Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro[/caption]

It’s been four months since the public first knew the Real Madrid hero was with the social media star. 

Castro regularly posts fashionable pictures from exotic locations on Instagram.

But now she’s felt the desire to share her feelings for the £115million star – with sweet pics and video clips never seen before.

Castro is in America as Bellingham and Co attempt to win the Club World Cup.

Stormy conditions have led to several matches being suspended.

But Castro’s relationship with Bellingham is sailing along smoothly, judging by the dreamy photos she put on social media.

WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN

 

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The Californian model is currently dating Jude Bellingham[/caption]

One showed the couple embracing tenderly as she added the words: “Happy birthday. I love you so much!”

Castro also gave an insight into the personal qualities that attracted her to the former Borussia Dortmund ace.

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She described him as the “most thoughtful, kind hearted, hard working, incredible human I’ve ever met”.

And these dazzling attributes mean “You bring so much light into the world”.

The couple have been pictured together on a handful of occasions since February – but never in such private moments.

It’s not known which of Castro’s compliments Bellingham finds most touching.

But she also threw in the revelation that she “cant’ forget best dance partner” and that he was also the “the best karaoke partner”.

That’s particularly apt – as Bellingham will be at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Tuesday, for arguably the biggest tie of the CWC last 16.

In fact, the part-time “singer” will be going from Hey Jude to Play Juve as Real are taking on the Italian giants – with Castro sure to be there.

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Castro is regularly seen at Real’s Bernabeu backing Bellingham[/caption]

THE clock is ticking towards 2.30am on Sunday, and I’m standing in a VIP boozer at Glastonbury watching Davina McCall throwing shapes on the dancefloor.

She was having the time of her life with her pals and partner Michael Douglas – who all had far more energy than I did at that time of night.

The Sun

The Sun

Pop superstar Harry arriving at the Worthy Farm festival[/caption]

TV presenter Davina went unnoticed by other revellers, as did the even more famous man who was dancing just a few feet away from them – pop superstar Harry Styles.

Although that may be because he was tucked away wearing a grey jumper with his shades on, locking lips for 12 seconds with a frizzy-haired young woman.

I captured the passionate moment on camera after my colleague and I spotted former One Direction singer Harry, 31, shuffling into the bar moments earlier.

They had arrived separately but seemed to already be well-acquainted.

Might this have been going on for longer, or was it just a Glastonbury romance? Time will tell.

I saw them holding hands as they made their way to the dancefloor, where they partied discreetly with the music pumping, before kissing and then going their separate ways for the evening.

The bar itself – the name of which I’ll keep a secret – is full of bright lights while the dance area is just a tiny, dark room.

It has a cool vibe and is one of the most popular haunts among celebs. Most importantly, it has plenty of booze and good tunes to keep them going.

There are certainly more luxurious VIP areas on Worthy Farm, though, and all of them are swarming with A-listers.

I’m fortunate enough to get access to these places through my job.

And one of the things that strikes me most about this weird and wonderful festival is that so many of those stars can party all day and night without even being spotted.

Even when it is supermodel Cara Delevingne, who was walking around Silvers Bar in the hospitality area in a Robbie Williams-inspired bright red Adidas tracksuit on Sunday night.

Or Hollywood star Paul Mescal and his American singer girlfriend Gracie Abrams – who performed on the Other Stage on Friday – out raving in one tent in the early hours.

There was one moment when I was sitting on a bench outside Silvers Bar, sipping a cider and people watching, when I turned around to see Davina and her pals had perched themselves alongside me.

Many celebs will stop for selfies with fans, some won’t.

I had actually bumped into Harry on Friday evening, chatting away to lots of people and shaking their hands.

I thought I would ask him for a quick selfie to add to the Glastonbury scrapbook.

He replied, in the most polite tone: “Do you mind if we don’t?”

Harry then asked for my name and shook my hand before continuing with his evening.

It was only a very brief encounter, but he was one of the most well-mannered and charming celebs I have met.

You can see why fans – and no doubt the woman he was kissing – adore him. He has got it all: the looks, the style, the talent and personality.

This was Harry’s first time at Glastonbury, but hopefully it will not be his last.

Next year is a fallow year, so roll on 2027. Hopefully I’ll have recovered by then.

The Sun

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Marco Capaldo and Lily Allen seen on day two at Glasto[/caption]

The DA's Helen Zille has made it clear that the party’s threat to table a motion of no confidence against Cyril Ramaphosa is no idle gesture.

CARLOS ALCARAZ survived a Centre Court scare – to set up a second round battle against Britain’s best student tennis player.

Two-time defending champion Alcaraz, 22, was staring one of the all-time SW19 upsets in the face against veteran Italian Fabio Fognini as the 38-year-old twice levelled the match to take it to a final set.

Wimbledon 2025 LIVE – follow all the latest scores and updates from a thrilling fortnight at SW19

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EPA

The normally-faultless Spaniard made error after error in an uncharacteristically sloppy display that left the spectators stunned.

But second seed Alcaraz finally found his game as Fognini – playing in his last Wimbledon before retiring – wilted in the brutal heat, finally completing a 7-5 6-7 7-5 2-6 6-1 win in more than four and a half hours.

It was a far cry from the Alcaraz who produced one of the all-time performances to come back from two sets down against Jannik Sinner to lift the French Open crown at Roland Garros last month.

Even when he took the opener, Alcaraz – who has not lost a match since April – was off the pace.

And as he was broken twice in the fourth set, with Fognini starting to sense a huge upset, Alcaraz looked like a player who feared the worst.

Clearly suffering in the brutal heat, Alcaraz wore a look of bemusement as it seemed nothing was working.

It was the first time that a defending champion has been taken to a fifth set in the opening match of his defence since Roger Federer in 2010, with the Swiss ace only making the quarter-finals that year.

Few would expect such an early exit for Alcaraz, who cruised through the decider either side of a 15-minute delay after a fan was taken ill with the champion 3-0 up.

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Alcaraz went from participant to concerned observer as he grabbed a bottle of water and ran across the court to help as the fan received treatment.

But when play resumed, Alcaraz showed he had not lost his composure as he booked his match against British world No733 Oliver Tarvet on Wednesday.

He finished it off with a wide service on his first match point that Fognini could only help back into the net.

Even so, his struggles will give Tarvet, who will doubtless have been watching, even more reason to think he could pull off one of the great British Wimbledon fairy-tales on Wednesday.

Speaking about facing Tarvet in the second round following his epic day one win, Alcaraz said: “The game isn’t going to be personal, guys.

“He is playing great tennis on grass and if he is in the second round of Wimbledon then he is playing at a great level.

“I have to be ready and I will try to put my best tennis out for the match.

“Tomorrow, I will try to improve the things that didn’t work today such as the return and the forehand. Let’s keep enjoying being at Wimbledon as well.”

EPA

Getty Images - Getty

And Alcaraz was full or praise for Fognini, saying: “I don’t know why it is Fognini’s last Wimbledon because the level he has shown shows he can still play for three or four more years.

“I have to give him the credit for such a great match. He has shown the level and talent he has throughout his whole career and he has shown that once again today, so I’m just a bit sad that this is probably his last Wimbledon.

“I’m happy to have shared the court and locker room many times with him. We got to enjoy the last of him.

“Playing on Centre Court for the first match of any tournament is never easy.

“I’ve been practising pretty well and playing on grass really well, but Wimbledon is special and different. I could feel the difference between Wimbledon and the other tournaments.

“I just tried to play my best but I would say that I could play better. I have to improve in the next round. In general, I still think it was a great match.”

EMMA RADUCANU survived the heat of Wimbledon’s hottest opening day – but almost got wiped out by a stray champagne cork.

Mimi Xu, a South Wales schoolgirl, was sent back to the classroom she lost 6-3 6-3 to the former US Open champion on her debut.

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Emma Raducanu cruised into the second round[/caption]

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Rookie schoolgirl Mimi Xu was sent back to the classroom[/caption]

This was not quite the schooling that many had expected, given the gulf in class, age and experience because Xu, 17, performed admirably on her rookie appearance.

Yet Raducanu’s supremacy, particularly when it came to serving, saw her advance comfortably to round two and she showed no signs of any back problems that had plagued her summer plans.

In fact, the biggest challenge she faced was evading a cork that flew out of a champagne bottle and on to No.1 Court turf.

This happened after Raducanu had taken the first set and she comically offered it back to the culprit in the crowd.

Champagne tennis from the British No.1 will have to wait for another day but this was an encouraging start to her campaign.

It was a sticky 31.7 degrees in south-west London by the time Raducanu began her eleventh singles appearance at Wimbledon.

This arena brings back uncomfortable memories as it was here that she suffered an anxiety attack in her debut year in the last 16 against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic.

Back then, she was an unknown teenager, thrust into the spotlight of Wimbledon while in the middle of her A Levels.

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A few months later she passed her biggest exam of them all, winning the US Open in historic fashion and becoming a global superstar.

Xu is in a similar situation to the pre-famous Raducanu verison from that early part of 2021.

Earlier this month, the Swansea star sat her biology A Level and when she came out of the room, she discovered she had received a All England Club wildcard.

The pair both have Chinese parentage – Raducanu speaks to Xu’s mum in Mandarin.

And Xu is coached by Nigel Sears, who was in Raducanu’s box four years ago.

They even dress the same, with similar Nike white clothes, golf visor and hair in a ponytail – though Xu had green underwear on – and celebrated key points in identical manner.

After breaking the Xu serve inside two minutes, Raducanu was instructed by coach Mark Petchey to get her racquet restrung backstage.

That break proved decisive as she moved one-nil up after 36 minutes and then dominated the second set to win her fourth match on grass this month.

The next match will be against Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion from the Czech Republic, and that will be a far harder proposition.

Provided they can both stay clear of champagne corks that is.

Post-match, Raducanu said: “I’m super pleased to have come through that match. It’s so difficult playing another Brit in the first round, when the draw came out.

“I can’t say I was loving it. Mimi is a really dangerous player. She’s so young. Got some amazing weapons at her disposal.

“I am really happy to have come through that and I want to thank everyone for their support on both sides. It was a really nice atmosphere.

“Sometimes it’s difficult (to find rhythm) in the moment with nerves and adrenaline, you don’t have an idea of what is going on. I think I had some really good patches.

“And some moments where I lost my focus and Mimi was able to come back.

“I’m really happy with how I toughed it out in the really crucial games and won the important points today.

“Well, I’m glad people were having fun today. I mean I saw a champagne cork fly on to the court – glad you guys are having a good time. Cheers to you.

“It’s really nice to be back and I just use it as support. I love it. I love playing in this atmosphere. It’s my favourite tournament by far. I’m just so happy to get another match here.”