Performance, practicality and a distinct personality? What not to like about this Mini?
What's the goal of the all-new 2025 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman? To be a practical Sport Utility Vehicle with a healthy dose of performance and enthusiast attitude. Does it succeed? Does this car have what it takes?
In their classic 1970s sitcom, 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' Lou Grant (played by Ed Asner) said to Mary Richards (played by Mary Tyler Moore), 'You know what, you've got spunk. I hate spunk!' This Mini Countryman JCW has spunk. Whoever is behind the wheel should love this.
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The Advertiser
4 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
A barely noticeable improvement may signal the worst is behind us
ASBFEO recently released our fourth Small Business Pulse - a health-check on the small business operating environment. It recorded a microscopic improvement of 0.1 per cent this quarter. This is the first quarterly increase since August 2022 after a significant deterioration that occurred in the post-COVID period. Over the past 12 months small business conditions deteriorated by 0.9 per cent, but the small increase we are now seeing, is showing some modest signs that conditions seem to be stabilising. It shows that small and family business owners are digging deep to finds ways forward. The Pulse also reveals specific areas where targeted policy and approaches, more attuned to the real-life challenges being faced and opportunities being pursued, would make a real positive difference. It may be a barely noticeable improvement in the small business trading environment, but it does hopefully signal that the worst is behind us and a first step toward a positive shift in economic conditions for small and family businesses. With some input-cost inflation starting to settle, the pressures on margins and profitability remain very real. We are seeing a shift toward re-pricing to restore profitability and small business owners thinking about containing costs and what growth opportunities may be available. The May Pulse highlights that cash flow is still a major concern for small businesses. And while many feel the worst may be over, my office is seeing increasing numbers of requests for assistance with payment disputes. This type of dispute, that often leaves a small business unpaid, can push the business to the economic edge, creating stress and heartache for the owner. Being able to get behind the businesses doing the right thing by making employment, tax and supplier payments in a timely way, would be helped by a "good business pays" recognition. This accreditation would honour those businesses meeting their reporting and payment obligations. It is just one of the practical and positive "14 steps" ASBFEO has been championing to "energise enterprise". The Pulse data also suggests that while there are still some areas of unease in the small business environment, small business owners are looking at many factors when thinking about their operating margins. This includes reviewing input costs, pricing for their products or services, their range, what are customers saying and what opportunities are available to increase sales. We are seeing an increase in small businesses researching importing and exporting opportunities in the May Pulse, with most of these enquires about engaging in trade across the Asia-Pacific region. This is exciting because small and family businesses are now starting to think about what the future looks like for them and their business. They are potentially making plans to grow their businesses and how best to tap into new markets. Are we seeing the start of a gentle wind in the sails of resilient small business owners who have valiantly held on during an extended period of difficult headwinds? Or is it simply more remarkable relentlessness of enterprising women and men? In the May Pulse, we have seen a modest increase in small businesses considering hiring extra staff. A persistently tight labour market and difficulty finding suitable staff have been hampering recruitment efforts, but signs point to a shift in concern from availablity to affordability. And let's not be swayed by the nonsense that above-inflation increases in payroll costs without productivity improvement is somehow helpful, at a time too many small business owners are battling to keep the lights on. Small business owners have continued to report in this quarter how difficult it is to navigate the complex workplace laws, with most anxious about getting it wrong. This is a real worry, and an example of why we need to make sure that we take a more proactive approach to "right-sizing" regulation. Regulators and governments need to move away from the one-size-fits-all regulatory models. Regulations that are "right-sized" and fit-for-purpose will help small businesses meet their compliance obligations without fear. Interestingly, small businesses are also looking to maximise their business opportunities by deploying digital capabilities and using artificial intelligence to source new and exciting opportunities to entice and delight their customers, and to grow their business. Small business owners are also looking at how these technology tools can help them find more value and customers, and to navigate the complex compliance landscape. Better digital know-how and practical enterprise-specific tech support that is focused on business systems, digital solutions and data management is another of the 14 Steps we have been advocating that will help support small and family business to grow and be competitive. Many small and family businesses have been impacted by flood, cyclones and drought during the past 12 months. The Pulse highlights that temporary closure, lost income, and property damage remain issues for those businesses caught in natural disasters. But we need to be mindful that these issues and any ongoing insurance difficulties are likely to affect these and many other businesses in the years to come. So, our focus needs to be not only the immediate support and help needed, but on what those small and family businesses need in the months and years to come for a sustainable and durable recovery. The ASBFEO Pulse combines traditional and non-traditional data to provide a powerful indicator of small business health right here, right now. Harvesting alternative data such as internet searches to compliment official statistics gives a more nuanced understanding of the small business ecosystem. It provides an earlier insight into changes in the trading environment, especially when conditions are shifting quickly. The ASBFEO Small Business Pulse helps us to see into the corners of the small business community, while reflecting the reality of small business owners' everyday experience. It highlights the "what" and "where" help, support and the removal of headwinds would be most relevant and useful. ASBFEO's 14 steps to energise enterprise sets out the "how". What the May Pulse tells me, and should tell us all, is - we must continue to energise enterprise. We need to create conditions that encourage enthusiastic entrepreneurs with the spark of an idea to transform it into a business, to help a new business flourish and grow, to encourage investment and to employ that extra person. Small and family businesses make a vital contribution to our national prosperity, economy, wellbeing and community. We need them to be growing, employing, thriving and innovating to benefit us all. ASBFEO recently released our fourth Small Business Pulse - a health-check on the small business operating environment. It recorded a microscopic improvement of 0.1 per cent this quarter. This is the first quarterly increase since August 2022 after a significant deterioration that occurred in the post-COVID period. Over the past 12 months small business conditions deteriorated by 0.9 per cent, but the small increase we are now seeing, is showing some modest signs that conditions seem to be stabilising. It shows that small and family business owners are digging deep to finds ways forward. The Pulse also reveals specific areas where targeted policy and approaches, more attuned to the real-life challenges being faced and opportunities being pursued, would make a real positive difference. It may be a barely noticeable improvement in the small business trading environment, but it does hopefully signal that the worst is behind us and a first step toward a positive shift in economic conditions for small and family businesses. With some input-cost inflation starting to settle, the pressures on margins and profitability remain very real. We are seeing a shift toward re-pricing to restore profitability and small business owners thinking about containing costs and what growth opportunities may be available. The May Pulse highlights that cash flow is still a major concern for small businesses. And while many feel the worst may be over, my office is seeing increasing numbers of requests for assistance with payment disputes. This type of dispute, that often leaves a small business unpaid, can push the business to the economic edge, creating stress and heartache for the owner. Being able to get behind the businesses doing the right thing by making employment, tax and supplier payments in a timely way, would be helped by a "good business pays" recognition. This accreditation would honour those businesses meeting their reporting and payment obligations. It is just one of the practical and positive "14 steps" ASBFEO has been championing to "energise enterprise". The Pulse data also suggests that while there are still some areas of unease in the small business environment, small business owners are looking at many factors when thinking about their operating margins. This includes reviewing input costs, pricing for their products or services, their range, what are customers saying and what opportunities are available to increase sales. We are seeing an increase in small businesses researching importing and exporting opportunities in the May Pulse, with most of these enquires about engaging in trade across the Asia-Pacific region. This is exciting because small and family businesses are now starting to think about what the future looks like for them and their business. They are potentially making plans to grow their businesses and how best to tap into new markets. Are we seeing the start of a gentle wind in the sails of resilient small business owners who have valiantly held on during an extended period of difficult headwinds? Or is it simply more remarkable relentlessness of enterprising women and men? In the May Pulse, we have seen a modest increase in small businesses considering hiring extra staff. A persistently tight labour market and difficulty finding suitable staff have been hampering recruitment efforts, but signs point to a shift in concern from availablity to affordability. And let's not be swayed by the nonsense that above-inflation increases in payroll costs without productivity improvement is somehow helpful, at a time too many small business owners are battling to keep the lights on. Small business owners have continued to report in this quarter how difficult it is to navigate the complex workplace laws, with most anxious about getting it wrong. This is a real worry, and an example of why we need to make sure that we take a more proactive approach to "right-sizing" regulation. Regulators and governments need to move away from the one-size-fits-all regulatory models. Regulations that are "right-sized" and fit-for-purpose will help small businesses meet their compliance obligations without fear. Interestingly, small businesses are also looking to maximise their business opportunities by deploying digital capabilities and using artificial intelligence to source new and exciting opportunities to entice and delight their customers, and to grow their business. Small business owners are also looking at how these technology tools can help them find more value and customers, and to navigate the complex compliance landscape. Better digital know-how and practical enterprise-specific tech support that is focused on business systems, digital solutions and data management is another of the 14 Steps we have been advocating that will help support small and family business to grow and be competitive. Many small and family businesses have been impacted by flood, cyclones and drought during the past 12 months. The Pulse highlights that temporary closure, lost income, and property damage remain issues for those businesses caught in natural disasters. But we need to be mindful that these issues and any ongoing insurance difficulties are likely to affect these and many other businesses in the years to come. So, our focus needs to be not only the immediate support and help needed, but on what those small and family businesses need in the months and years to come for a sustainable and durable recovery. The ASBFEO Pulse combines traditional and non-traditional data to provide a powerful indicator of small business health right here, right now. Harvesting alternative data such as internet searches to compliment official statistics gives a more nuanced understanding of the small business ecosystem. It provides an earlier insight into changes in the trading environment, especially when conditions are shifting quickly. The ASBFEO Small Business Pulse helps us to see into the corners of the small business community, while reflecting the reality of small business owners' everyday experience. It highlights the "what" and "where" help, support and the removal of headwinds would be most relevant and useful. ASBFEO's 14 steps to energise enterprise sets out the "how". What the May Pulse tells me, and should tell us all, is - we must continue to energise enterprise. We need to create conditions that encourage enthusiastic entrepreneurs with the spark of an idea to transform it into a business, to help a new business flourish and grow, to encourage investment and to employ that extra person. Small and family businesses make a vital contribution to our national prosperity, economy, wellbeing and community. We need them to be growing, employing, thriving and innovating to benefit us all. ASBFEO recently released our fourth Small Business Pulse - a health-check on the small business operating environment. It recorded a microscopic improvement of 0.1 per cent this quarter. This is the first quarterly increase since August 2022 after a significant deterioration that occurred in the post-COVID period. Over the past 12 months small business conditions deteriorated by 0.9 per cent, but the small increase we are now seeing, is showing some modest signs that conditions seem to be stabilising. It shows that small and family business owners are digging deep to finds ways forward. The Pulse also reveals specific areas where targeted policy and approaches, more attuned to the real-life challenges being faced and opportunities being pursued, would make a real positive difference. It may be a barely noticeable improvement in the small business trading environment, but it does hopefully signal that the worst is behind us and a first step toward a positive shift in economic conditions for small and family businesses. With some input-cost inflation starting to settle, the pressures on margins and profitability remain very real. We are seeing a shift toward re-pricing to restore profitability and small business owners thinking about containing costs and what growth opportunities may be available. The May Pulse highlights that cash flow is still a major concern for small businesses. And while many feel the worst may be over, my office is seeing increasing numbers of requests for assistance with payment disputes. This type of dispute, that often leaves a small business unpaid, can push the business to the economic edge, creating stress and heartache for the owner. Being able to get behind the businesses doing the right thing by making employment, tax and supplier payments in a timely way, would be helped by a "good business pays" recognition. This accreditation would honour those businesses meeting their reporting and payment obligations. It is just one of the practical and positive "14 steps" ASBFEO has been championing to "energise enterprise". The Pulse data also suggests that while there are still some areas of unease in the small business environment, small business owners are looking at many factors when thinking about their operating margins. This includes reviewing input costs, pricing for their products or services, their range, what are customers saying and what opportunities are available to increase sales. We are seeing an increase in small businesses researching importing and exporting opportunities in the May Pulse, with most of these enquires about engaging in trade across the Asia-Pacific region. This is exciting because small and family businesses are now starting to think about what the future looks like for them and their business. They are potentially making plans to grow their businesses and how best to tap into new markets. Are we seeing the start of a gentle wind in the sails of resilient small business owners who have valiantly held on during an extended period of difficult headwinds? Or is it simply more remarkable relentlessness of enterprising women and men? In the May Pulse, we have seen a modest increase in small businesses considering hiring extra staff. A persistently tight labour market and difficulty finding suitable staff have been hampering recruitment efforts, but signs point to a shift in concern from availablity to affordability. And let's not be swayed by the nonsense that above-inflation increases in payroll costs without productivity improvement is somehow helpful, at a time too many small business owners are battling to keep the lights on. Small business owners have continued to report in this quarter how difficult it is to navigate the complex workplace laws, with most anxious about getting it wrong. This is a real worry, and an example of why we need to make sure that we take a more proactive approach to "right-sizing" regulation. Regulators and governments need to move away from the one-size-fits-all regulatory models. Regulations that are "right-sized" and fit-for-purpose will help small businesses meet their compliance obligations without fear. Interestingly, small businesses are also looking to maximise their business opportunities by deploying digital capabilities and using artificial intelligence to source new and exciting opportunities to entice and delight their customers, and to grow their business. Small business owners are also looking at how these technology tools can help them find more value and customers, and to navigate the complex compliance landscape. Better digital know-how and practical enterprise-specific tech support that is focused on business systems, digital solutions and data management is another of the 14 Steps we have been advocating that will help support small and family business to grow and be competitive. Many small and family businesses have been impacted by flood, cyclones and drought during the past 12 months. The Pulse highlights that temporary closure, lost income, and property damage remain issues for those businesses caught in natural disasters. But we need to be mindful that these issues and any ongoing insurance difficulties are likely to affect these and many other businesses in the years to come. So, our focus needs to be not only the immediate support and help needed, but on what those small and family businesses need in the months and years to come for a sustainable and durable recovery. The ASBFEO Pulse combines traditional and non-traditional data to provide a powerful indicator of small business health right here, right now. Harvesting alternative data such as internet searches to compliment official statistics gives a more nuanced understanding of the small business ecosystem. It provides an earlier insight into changes in the trading environment, especially when conditions are shifting quickly. The ASBFEO Small Business Pulse helps us to see into the corners of the small business community, while reflecting the reality of small business owners' everyday experience. It highlights the "what" and "where" help, support and the removal of headwinds would be most relevant and useful. ASBFEO's 14 steps to energise enterprise sets out the "how". What the May Pulse tells me, and should tell us all, is - we must continue to energise enterprise. We need to create conditions that encourage enthusiastic entrepreneurs with the spark of an idea to transform it into a business, to help a new business flourish and grow, to encourage investment and to employ that extra person. Small and family businesses make a vital contribution to our national prosperity, economy, wellbeing and community. We need them to be growing, employing, thriving and innovating to benefit us all. ASBFEO recently released our fourth Small Business Pulse - a health-check on the small business operating environment. It recorded a microscopic improvement of 0.1 per cent this quarter. This is the first quarterly increase since August 2022 after a significant deterioration that occurred in the post-COVID period. Over the past 12 months small business conditions deteriorated by 0.9 per cent, but the small increase we are now seeing, is showing some modest signs that conditions seem to be stabilising. It shows that small and family business owners are digging deep to finds ways forward. The Pulse also reveals specific areas where targeted policy and approaches, more attuned to the real-life challenges being faced and opportunities being pursued, would make a real positive difference. It may be a barely noticeable improvement in the small business trading environment, but it does hopefully signal that the worst is behind us and a first step toward a positive shift in economic conditions for small and family businesses. With some input-cost inflation starting to settle, the pressures on margins and profitability remain very real. We are seeing a shift toward re-pricing to restore profitability and small business owners thinking about containing costs and what growth opportunities may be available. The May Pulse highlights that cash flow is still a major concern for small businesses. And while many feel the worst may be over, my office is seeing increasing numbers of requests for assistance with payment disputes. This type of dispute, that often leaves a small business unpaid, can push the business to the economic edge, creating stress and heartache for the owner. Being able to get behind the businesses doing the right thing by making employment, tax and supplier payments in a timely way, would be helped by a "good business pays" recognition. This accreditation would honour those businesses meeting their reporting and payment obligations. It is just one of the practical and positive "14 steps" ASBFEO has been championing to "energise enterprise". The Pulse data also suggests that while there are still some areas of unease in the small business environment, small business owners are looking at many factors when thinking about their operating margins. This includes reviewing input costs, pricing for their products or services, their range, what are customers saying and what opportunities are available to increase sales. We are seeing an increase in small businesses researching importing and exporting opportunities in the May Pulse, with most of these enquires about engaging in trade across the Asia-Pacific region. This is exciting because small and family businesses are now starting to think about what the future looks like for them and their business. They are potentially making plans to grow their businesses and how best to tap into new markets. Are we seeing the start of a gentle wind in the sails of resilient small business owners who have valiantly held on during an extended period of difficult headwinds? Or is it simply more remarkable relentlessness of enterprising women and men? In the May Pulse, we have seen a modest increase in small businesses considering hiring extra staff. A persistently tight labour market and difficulty finding suitable staff have been hampering recruitment efforts, but signs point to a shift in concern from availablity to affordability. And let's not be swayed by the nonsense that above-inflation increases in payroll costs without productivity improvement is somehow helpful, at a time too many small business owners are battling to keep the lights on. Small business owners have continued to report in this quarter how difficult it is to navigate the complex workplace laws, with most anxious about getting it wrong. This is a real worry, and an example of why we need to make sure that we take a more proactive approach to "right-sizing" regulation. Regulators and governments need to move away from the one-size-fits-all regulatory models. Regulations that are "right-sized" and fit-for-purpose will help small businesses meet their compliance obligations without fear. Interestingly, small businesses are also looking to maximise their business opportunities by deploying digital capabilities and using artificial intelligence to source new and exciting opportunities to entice and delight their customers, and to grow their business. Small business owners are also looking at how these technology tools can help them find more value and customers, and to navigate the complex compliance landscape. Better digital know-how and practical enterprise-specific tech support that is focused on business systems, digital solutions and data management is another of the 14 Steps we have been advocating that will help support small and family business to grow and be competitive. Many small and family businesses have been impacted by flood, cyclones and drought during the past 12 months. The Pulse highlights that temporary closure, lost income, and property damage remain issues for those businesses caught in natural disasters. But we need to be mindful that these issues and any ongoing insurance difficulties are likely to affect these and many other businesses in the years to come. So, our focus needs to be not only the immediate support and help needed, but on what those small and family businesses need in the months and years to come for a sustainable and durable recovery. The ASBFEO Pulse combines traditional and non-traditional data to provide a powerful indicator of small business health right here, right now. Harvesting alternative data such as internet searches to compliment official statistics gives a more nuanced understanding of the small business ecosystem. It provides an earlier insight into changes in the trading environment, especially when conditions are shifting quickly. The ASBFEO Small Business Pulse helps us to see into the corners of the small business community, while reflecting the reality of small business owners' everyday experience. It highlights the "what" and "where" help, support and the removal of headwinds would be most relevant and useful. ASBFEO's 14 steps to energise enterprise sets out the "how". What the May Pulse tells me, and should tell us all, is - we must continue to energise enterprise. We need to create conditions that encourage enthusiastic entrepreneurs with the spark of an idea to transform it into a business, to help a new business flourish and grow, to encourage investment and to employ that extra person. Small and family businesses make a vital contribution to our national prosperity, economy, wellbeing and community. We need them to be growing, employing, thriving and innovating to benefit us all.
The Advertiser
4 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Epic Alcaraz comeback seals amazing French Open triumph
Carlos Alcaraz has come back from the dead in one of the greatest of all grand slam finals, saving three match points in the fourth set before rallying to outlast Jannik Sinner and successfully defend his French Open crown. After the longest and perhaps most epic of all Roland Garros showdowns - lasting five hours and 29 minutes - champion Alcaraz finally prevailed 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 [10-2] against world No.1 Sinner to win his fifth grand slam in a true Sunday spectacular. There seemed no way back for the 22-year-old Spaniard when he trailed 3-5, 0-40 in the fourth set with Sinner poised to win his third slam in a row after wins in the US Open and Australian Open. But summoning up incredible resolve as well as extraordinary brilliance, Alcaraz, on his way to winning from two sets down for the first time in his stellar career, surged back to take the fourth set and then forge into a 5-3 lead in the decider. But again, the match wasn't over as Sinner, defying his evident fatigue, broke back when Alcaraz served for the match at 5-4, dragging the incredible contest, full of amazing, lung-busting rallies, into a match tiebreak as it went into its sixth wondrous hour. Again, Alcaraz raised his game to sublime levels, dominating the breaker and striking one last superlative forehand on the run - incredibly, his 70th winner of the match to Sinner's 53 - to seal the title. It was the perfect way to end a scintillating duel between the two young modern masters - the first time a grand slam final has been contested by two men born this century - as Alcaraz enjoyed a fifth successive win over the Italian to end Sinner's 20-match winning streak in the majors. After receiving the trophy from 1999 champion Andre Agassi, Alcaraz paid tribute to his opponent who was returning to the grand slam arena after serving a three-month doping ban. "Jannik, it's amazing the level you reach," he told Sinner at the presentation. "I am sure you will be champion many, many times and it is a privilege to share the court with you and making history with you. "I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament, in other tournaments. You are a huge inspiration for everyone and myself." This felt like indisputable evidence that the future of men's tennis belongs to the pair of them, as the two shooting stars have now won the last six grand slams between them. It used to be the 'big four'; now it looks for all the world like a 'big two'. Their incredible joust in a final had only ever been beaten in length by the 5 hour 53 minute epic between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the 2012 Australian Open. In terms of quality, though, perhaps only the Roger Federer-Rafa Nadal five-set classic at Wimbledon in 2008 could top this, even though these two youngsters were taking the power and speed levels to freakish new peaks. "It is easier to play than to talk right now," said a crestfallen Sinner. "We tried our best today. We gave everything we had. Some time ago, we would have loved to be here so it's still been an amazing tournament. "Even though it is very difficult right now, it is okay." Carlos Alcaraz has come back from the dead in one of the greatest of all grand slam finals, saving three match points in the fourth set before rallying to outlast Jannik Sinner and successfully defend his French Open crown. After the longest and perhaps most epic of all Roland Garros showdowns - lasting five hours and 29 minutes - champion Alcaraz finally prevailed 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 [10-2] against world No.1 Sinner to win his fifth grand slam in a true Sunday spectacular. There seemed no way back for the 22-year-old Spaniard when he trailed 3-5, 0-40 in the fourth set with Sinner poised to win his third slam in a row after wins in the US Open and Australian Open. But summoning up incredible resolve as well as extraordinary brilliance, Alcaraz, on his way to winning from two sets down for the first time in his stellar career, surged back to take the fourth set and then forge into a 5-3 lead in the decider. But again, the match wasn't over as Sinner, defying his evident fatigue, broke back when Alcaraz served for the match at 5-4, dragging the incredible contest, full of amazing, lung-busting rallies, into a match tiebreak as it went into its sixth wondrous hour. Again, Alcaraz raised his game to sublime levels, dominating the breaker and striking one last superlative forehand on the run - incredibly, his 70th winner of the match to Sinner's 53 - to seal the title. It was the perfect way to end a scintillating duel between the two young modern masters - the first time a grand slam final has been contested by two men born this century - as Alcaraz enjoyed a fifth successive win over the Italian to end Sinner's 20-match winning streak in the majors. After receiving the trophy from 1999 champion Andre Agassi, Alcaraz paid tribute to his opponent who was returning to the grand slam arena after serving a three-month doping ban. "Jannik, it's amazing the level you reach," he told Sinner at the presentation. "I am sure you will be champion many, many times and it is a privilege to share the court with you and making history with you. "I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament, in other tournaments. You are a huge inspiration for everyone and myself." This felt like indisputable evidence that the future of men's tennis belongs to the pair of them, as the two shooting stars have now won the last six grand slams between them. It used to be the 'big four'; now it looks for all the world like a 'big two'. Their incredible joust in a final had only ever been beaten in length by the 5 hour 53 minute epic between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the 2012 Australian Open. In terms of quality, though, perhaps only the Roger Federer-Rafa Nadal five-set classic at Wimbledon in 2008 could top this, even though these two youngsters were taking the power and speed levels to freakish new peaks. "It is easier to play than to talk right now," said a crestfallen Sinner. "We tried our best today. We gave everything we had. Some time ago, we would have loved to be here so it's still been an amazing tournament. "Even though it is very difficult right now, it is okay." Carlos Alcaraz has come back from the dead in one of the greatest of all grand slam finals, saving three match points in the fourth set before rallying to outlast Jannik Sinner and successfully defend his French Open crown. After the longest and perhaps most epic of all Roland Garros showdowns - lasting five hours and 29 minutes - champion Alcaraz finally prevailed 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 [10-2] against world No.1 Sinner to win his fifth grand slam in a true Sunday spectacular. There seemed no way back for the 22-year-old Spaniard when he trailed 3-5, 0-40 in the fourth set with Sinner poised to win his third slam in a row after wins in the US Open and Australian Open. But summoning up incredible resolve as well as extraordinary brilliance, Alcaraz, on his way to winning from two sets down for the first time in his stellar career, surged back to take the fourth set and then forge into a 5-3 lead in the decider. But again, the match wasn't over as Sinner, defying his evident fatigue, broke back when Alcaraz served for the match at 5-4, dragging the incredible contest, full of amazing, lung-busting rallies, into a match tiebreak as it went into its sixth wondrous hour. Again, Alcaraz raised his game to sublime levels, dominating the breaker and striking one last superlative forehand on the run - incredibly, his 70th winner of the match to Sinner's 53 - to seal the title. It was the perfect way to end a scintillating duel between the two young modern masters - the first time a grand slam final has been contested by two men born this century - as Alcaraz enjoyed a fifth successive win over the Italian to end Sinner's 20-match winning streak in the majors. After receiving the trophy from 1999 champion Andre Agassi, Alcaraz paid tribute to his opponent who was returning to the grand slam arena after serving a three-month doping ban. "Jannik, it's amazing the level you reach," he told Sinner at the presentation. "I am sure you will be champion many, many times and it is a privilege to share the court with you and making history with you. "I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament, in other tournaments. You are a huge inspiration for everyone and myself." This felt like indisputable evidence that the future of men's tennis belongs to the pair of them, as the two shooting stars have now won the last six grand slams between them. It used to be the 'big four'; now it looks for all the world like a 'big two'. Their incredible joust in a final had only ever been beaten in length by the 5 hour 53 minute epic between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the 2012 Australian Open. In terms of quality, though, perhaps only the Roger Federer-Rafa Nadal five-set classic at Wimbledon in 2008 could top this, even though these two youngsters were taking the power and speed levels to freakish new peaks. "It is easier to play than to talk right now," said a crestfallen Sinner. "We tried our best today. We gave everything we had. Some time ago, we would have loved to be here so it's still been an amazing tournament. "Even though it is very difficult right now, it is okay." Carlos Alcaraz has come back from the dead in one of the greatest of all grand slam finals, saving three match points in the fourth set before rallying to outlast Jannik Sinner and successfully defend his French Open crown. After the longest and perhaps most epic of all Roland Garros showdowns - lasting five hours and 29 minutes - champion Alcaraz finally prevailed 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 [10-2] against world No.1 Sinner to win his fifth grand slam in a true Sunday spectacular. There seemed no way back for the 22-year-old Spaniard when he trailed 3-5, 0-40 in the fourth set with Sinner poised to win his third slam in a row after wins in the US Open and Australian Open. But summoning up incredible resolve as well as extraordinary brilliance, Alcaraz, on his way to winning from two sets down for the first time in his stellar career, surged back to take the fourth set and then forge into a 5-3 lead in the decider. But again, the match wasn't over as Sinner, defying his evident fatigue, broke back when Alcaraz served for the match at 5-4, dragging the incredible contest, full of amazing, lung-busting rallies, into a match tiebreak as it went into its sixth wondrous hour. Again, Alcaraz raised his game to sublime levels, dominating the breaker and striking one last superlative forehand on the run - incredibly, his 70th winner of the match to Sinner's 53 - to seal the title. It was the perfect way to end a scintillating duel between the two young modern masters - the first time a grand slam final has been contested by two men born this century - as Alcaraz enjoyed a fifth successive win over the Italian to end Sinner's 20-match winning streak in the majors. After receiving the trophy from 1999 champion Andre Agassi, Alcaraz paid tribute to his opponent who was returning to the grand slam arena after serving a three-month doping ban. "Jannik, it's amazing the level you reach," he told Sinner at the presentation. "I am sure you will be champion many, many times and it is a privilege to share the court with you and making history with you. "I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament, in other tournaments. You are a huge inspiration for everyone and myself." This felt like indisputable evidence that the future of men's tennis belongs to the pair of them, as the two shooting stars have now won the last six grand slams between them. It used to be the 'big four'; now it looks for all the world like a 'big two'. Their incredible joust in a final had only ever been beaten in length by the 5 hour 53 minute epic between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the 2012 Australian Open. In terms of quality, though, perhaps only the Roger Federer-Rafa Nadal five-set classic at Wimbledon in 2008 could top this, even though these two youngsters were taking the power and speed levels to freakish new peaks. "It is easier to play than to talk right now," said a crestfallen Sinner. "We tried our best today. We gave everything we had. Some time ago, we would have loved to be here so it's still been an amazing tournament. "Even though it is very difficult right now, it is okay."
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Germany car driver faces attempted manslaughter charges
A magistrate has issued an arrest warrant for attempted manslaughter for a man who drove his car into a crowd in the German city of Passau, injuring his wife, five-year-old daughter and three others, police say. The 48-year-old Iraqi man has been transferred to a correctional facility, they said. According to initial findings, police suspect a custody dispute may have been the motive. The man and his wife are reportedly separated, the police said. "There had already been reasons for police action in connection with his wife in the past," a police spokesman said. Three of the people injured in the incident, including the daughter, have already been released from hospital. The 40-year-old wife and a 39-year-old woman are still receiving treatment but their lives are not in danger, police said. The two other people injured in the incident were an 18-year-old woman and a 52-year-old woman, who suffered abrasions and bruises. Their relationship to the family is not known. The man drove his car into the group of people near the southern German city's main train station about 3.30pm on Saturday. Passers-by alerted the police, and the man was detained and questioned shortly afterwards. It is not known whether he has made any statement about the incident. A magistrate has issued an arrest warrant for attempted manslaughter for a man who drove his car into a crowd in the German city of Passau, injuring his wife, five-year-old daughter and three others, police say. The 48-year-old Iraqi man has been transferred to a correctional facility, they said. According to initial findings, police suspect a custody dispute may have been the motive. The man and his wife are reportedly separated, the police said. "There had already been reasons for police action in connection with his wife in the past," a police spokesman said. Three of the people injured in the incident, including the daughter, have already been released from hospital. The 40-year-old wife and a 39-year-old woman are still receiving treatment but their lives are not in danger, police said. The two other people injured in the incident were an 18-year-old woman and a 52-year-old woman, who suffered abrasions and bruises. Their relationship to the family is not known. The man drove his car into the group of people near the southern German city's main train station about 3.30pm on Saturday. Passers-by alerted the police, and the man was detained and questioned shortly afterwards. It is not known whether he has made any statement about the incident. A magistrate has issued an arrest warrant for attempted manslaughter for a man who drove his car into a crowd in the German city of Passau, injuring his wife, five-year-old daughter and three others, police say. The 48-year-old Iraqi man has been transferred to a correctional facility, they said. According to initial findings, police suspect a custody dispute may have been the motive. The man and his wife are reportedly separated, the police said. "There had already been reasons for police action in connection with his wife in the past," a police spokesman said. Three of the people injured in the incident, including the daughter, have already been released from hospital. The 40-year-old wife and a 39-year-old woman are still receiving treatment but their lives are not in danger, police said. The two other people injured in the incident were an 18-year-old woman and a 52-year-old woman, who suffered abrasions and bruises. Their relationship to the family is not known. The man drove his car into the group of people near the southern German city's main train station about 3.30pm on Saturday. Passers-by alerted the police, and the man was detained and questioned shortly afterwards. It is not known whether he has made any statement about the incident. A magistrate has issued an arrest warrant for attempted manslaughter for a man who drove his car into a crowd in the German city of Passau, injuring his wife, five-year-old daughter and three others, police say. The 48-year-old Iraqi man has been transferred to a correctional facility, they said. According to initial findings, police suspect a custody dispute may have been the motive. The man and his wife are reportedly separated, the police said. "There had already been reasons for police action in connection with his wife in the past," a police spokesman said. Three of the people injured in the incident, including the daughter, have already been released from hospital. The 40-year-old wife and a 39-year-old woman are still receiving treatment but their lives are not in danger, police said. The two other people injured in the incident were an 18-year-old woman and a 52-year-old woman, who suffered abrasions and bruises. Their relationship to the family is not known. The man drove his car into the group of people near the southern German city's main train station about 3.30pm on Saturday. Passers-by alerted the police, and the man was detained and questioned shortly afterwards. It is not known whether he has made any statement about the incident.
