Carlos Alcaraz's fate-kissed tribute to Rafa Nadal as freakish stat makes French Open win iconic: 'I'll keep it forever'
In a thrilling French Open 2025 final, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 after a five-hour battle. Sinner, emotionally challenged, showed vulnerability despite his typically composed demeanor, losing to the resilient Spaniard.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
Feeling low in life? Anand Mahindra wants you to look at this poster and scoreboard of French Open winner Carlos Alcaraz for inspiration
French Open 2025 winner Carlos Alcaraz made a epic comeback to win the title. (Photo: Carlos Alcaraz's astonishing comeback victory at the 2025 French Open final wasn't just a celebration of athletic excellence—it became a global metaphor for resilience. Among the millions who were inspired by his unyielding grit, Indian business icon Anand Mahindra was one of the first to express what many felt: this was more than sport. Mahindra, known for using social media to spotlight determination and leadership, hailed a defining moment of perseverance as Alcaraz saved three championship points at 0–40 in the fourth set and went on to win the title. To Mahindra, the image of Alcaraz under pressure wasn't just tennis—it was a visual pep talk for life Anand Mahindra, and many others who witnessed the moment, Alcaraz's fightback had symbolic value. In a world quick to abandon effort at the first sign of failure, his revival at the brink of defeat stood as a loud rebuttal. Mahindra's call to 'make a poster of this picture' was not just a nod to the athlete's triumph—it was an endorsement of the never-give-up spirit that drives not just players, but entrepreneurs, creators, and dreamers worldwide. "It isn't over till it's over. NEVER give up," he emphasized, turning a sporting moment into a universal credo. The epic five-hour, 29-minute match against Jannik Sinner in Paris—now the longest final in Roland Garros history—was an ode to human willpower. Alcaraz's ability to claw his way back from two sets down, under the weight of history, fatigue, and a formidable opponent, resonated well beyond the stadium. It wasn't just the fans or tennis legends who took notice; leaders from other fields like Mahindra saw the deeper message: resilience is not theoretical, it is forged in the heat of adversity. Alcaraz demonstrated that true champions are revealed, not made, by pressure. — anandmahindra (@anandmahindra) The final was a masterclass in stamina, mental grit, and sheer belief. With every rally, the two young titans—Alcaraz, 22, and Sinner, 23—pushed the limits of what was once considered peak performance. The scoreline, 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2), told only part of the story. Carlos Alcaraz's journey to the Roland Garros title this year was also a dramatic passing of the torch. For over two decades, the tennis world had been dominated by the Big Three—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. With Federer and Nadal retired, and Djokovic now 38, the final between Alcaraz and Sinner signaled the start of a new golden age. The intensity, quality, and athleticism displayed by both men didn't just match the past—it arguably surpassed stats themselves were staggering. The players combined for 123 winners. The match ended with Sinner having scored 193 points to Alcaraz's 192, showing just how tightly contested it was. Yet it was Alcaraz who had the composure and mental edge in the final set tiebreaker, dominating 10-2, and sealing his fifth Grand Slam title—maintaining a perfect record in showdown was not just a clash of skill; it was a psychological war. Alcaraz had to wrestle with near defeat, not once but thrice, with three match points against him in the fourth set. Most players at that point would have collapsed under the pressure. Instead, Alcaraz dialed up his level, channelled composure and belief, and defied the moment. It was the kind of performance that legends are built on—not for the titles alone, but for the character social media, netizens echoed Mahindra's awe and admiration. 'The comeback writes a better story than the win itself,' said one user, summing up the emotional narrative that unfolded on the clay courts of Paris. Another chimed in, 'Champions get up even when they can't!'—a tribute to Alcaraz's tenacity in saving three match points. Many found the moment personally inspiring. 'Never giving up isn't just a mindset, it's a lifestyle,' wrote a viewer. 'Thank you for sharing this, Sir. Needed this reminder today.' For others, the display of heart under pressure felt almost cinematic: 'Real life better than fiction. Awesome stuff!' one post read. Another captured the spirit of the night perfectly: 'When your back is against the wall, greatness doesn't just play… it fights.'Even seasoned tennis veterans were in awe. Mats Wilander, former champion and analyst, said he never thought he'd see tennis played at a higher level than during the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era, but the Paris final proved him wrong. The quality, pace, and athleticism on display exceeded all expectations. Andre Agassi, who presented the trophy, said Alcaraz may be even more dangerous on grass courts, praising the young Spaniard for combining the defensive speed of Djokovic, the feel of Federer, and the topspin firepower of Nadal. ( Originally published on Jun 10, 2025 )
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Likely Manolo Marquez exit points to national team shake-up
Action from the Hong Kong, India AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday. India lost 1-0. (AIFF) Panaji: India coach Manolo Marquez cut a forlorn figure after the solitary goal loss against Hong Kong, understandable for a man who savoured just one win from his eight games in-charge of the national team. The first six games were in his dual role as coach of club and country but worryingly for the Spaniard, both his games as full-time coach of the national team ended in defeats. If the 2-0 loss against an under-strength Thailand in an international friendly was brushed aside with the focus being on the AFC Asian Cup 2027 final round qualifiers, the defeat against Hong Kong left everyone deflated. 'The dressing room is like a funeral, practically,' Manolo said after the game at the Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday. 'We are not very happy. We are sad. But I still think that India has possibilities to qualify.' India are at the bottom of the four-team group with just a point from the first two games which started with a draw against Bangladesh. Singapore and Hong Kong are on top with four points. Only the group winners make it to Saudi Arabia in 2027. Mathematically, India can finish on top, but even if it happens, Manolo won't be around to savour the achievement as the Spanish coach is expected to part ways with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) later this month. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Transform Your Child's Confidence with Our Public Speaking Program Planet Spark Book Now Undo 'From June 1, Manolo became a full-time national team coach, and he cannot walk out of his two-year contract on his own,' a senior official told TOI on Wednesday, 'Both parties must agree on termination. Given the situation at the moment, with the chief coach hesitant to continue and the results not entirely convincing, the mutual parting of ways is a mere formality.' A formal parting of ways is expected to take place when the technical committee of the AIFF and its executive committee holds separate meetings on June 29. Manolo Marquez and Sunil Chhetri during a training session in Kolkata in May 2025. (PTI) Manolo will be disappointed with the unexpectedly early end to his stint as national coach. Having managed teams at every level, including grassroots, youth, third division, second division, women's football, and the LaLiga with Las Palmas in 2017, the national team job was the only one missing for the Spaniard. He was brought on board after agreeing to do a dual job with FC Goa and India, but the results have been far from satisfactory. 'I cannot say anything negative about the players. The attitude was there, we had a plan too. In some moments, I felt we could have played better with the ball and be brave. But this is about the situation that the team is not winning, and the players are a little nervous,' said Manolo. It was Manolo who flew down to Bengaluru from Goa to convince Sunil Chhetri to come out of international retirement, seeing him as a short-term solution, given that the other leading scorers among domestic players was an uncapped winger and a left-back. Chhetri agreed, scored once against Maldives -- Manolo's only win as national team coach -- but hardly made an impression in the subsequent games. Against Hong Kong, India's highest international goal-scorer didn't even make it to the starting XI. When the next round of Asian Cup qualifiers are played against group leaders Singapore, away (Oct 9) and home (Oct 14), AIFF would have found a replacement for Manolo as national coach. Replacing Chhetri won't be as straightforward, unless the 40-year-old forward decides it's time for India to start afresh. Maybe his starting on the bench on Tuesday was a pointer to how things might shape out in the coming months.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Jannik Sinner's Romantic Link to Michael Schumacher's Ex: What's Happening?
W Tired of too many ads? go ad free now hen tennis star Jannik Sinner took the court at the French Open this June, it wasn't just his explosive backhand or fiery matches entering the headlines—it was his personal life. Rumors linking him romantically with Laila Hasanovic, who was previously linked to F1 racer , exploded alongside intense media scrutiny. While love stories in sports aren't new, their presence during a Grand Slam adds a different beat to the athlete's rhythm. Rather than focus on court stats or sponsorships, this piece explores how off-court relationships—real or rumored—shape the public perception and internal world of rising champions like Sinner in modern tennis. What drew the media attention towards Sinner's private life Across social platforms and tabloids, the chatter was quite loud. Fans worldwide speculated over the unlikely match: 'F1 star Mick Schumacher's model ex‑girlfriend sparks Jannik Sinner dating rumours as she watches his French Open final defeat'. Though the original Daily Mail story led the narrative, it's essential to separate speculation from fact. According to Sinner's Wikipedia page, the 23‑year‑old Italian—currently having lost the French Open to Alcaraz—was in a known relationship with athlete Anna Kalinskaya from June 2024 until their split in early May 2025. Kalinskaya herself, a Russian tennis pro, had confirmed on the French Open grounds that they were dating, maintaining they 'keep everything very confidential. You know my confidentiality… I won't say more'. Interestingly, the rumored connection to Laila Hasanovic overlaps with this timeline. But Sinner has not publicly confirmed any relationship beyond Kalinskaya. And while tabloids often spotlight these stories—especially during big tournaments—many athletes choose discretion in their private lives. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Of course, what stands out is how quickly such rumors can influence fan attention and media framing. While Sinner geared up to launch his Jannik Sinner Foundation in April 2025 to empower youth through sport, the juxtaposition between philanthropic focus of the tennis star and dating rumours couldn't be sharper. Jannik Sinner's tennis has always spoken volumes—but his personal life, be it private or publicly speculated, adds resonance to his public persona. In a world where relationships can be headlines overnight, maintaining focus becomes both art and necessity. As Sinner continues to define himself—on court, off court, and through charity work—it's worth remembering that every ace, every sponsorship, and every off-court headline is but one part of the story. Behind the rumors lies a human navigating pressure, success, and scrutiny—balancing love, legacy, and life with poise.
