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Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
The long wait that defined Kohli and RCB's triumph
New Delhi: For a while, as Virat Kohli struggled in the middle on Tuesday, it looked as if Royal Challengers Bengaluru would be left to despair again in the IPL final. The run-rate wasn't where they would have wanted it to be, Punjab Kings were putting on the clamps and RCB's talisman was not able to get going. The wait, some dreaded with the RCB total on 125/3 after 14 overs, could continue. The cruellest cut in sport is to be within touching distance of the ultimate prize and then not win it. For RCB, it had happened thrice already, in 2009, 2011 and 2016. On each occasion, the cameras had zoomed in on Kohli. The expressions were a mix of dejection, disbelief and desperation — each feeling perhaps a reflection of where Kohli's career was at that point. But this time, as the match wound to a close, Kohli could barely control the tears. When the final ball was bowled, he was on his knees and let it all out. Triumphs are sometimes defined by the wait; by how hard you have had to work for them; by how much the struggle changed you. This was the journey of a lifetime – for the club and the player. When Kohli was asked where he would rank the achievement, his answer revealed that the quest tested him in many ways. 'It's right up there, if I have to be honest,' said Kohli. 'I've given everything that I had for the last 18 years. I've stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I've had moments where I thought otherwise. I stood behind them, they stood behind me. And I always dreamt of winning it with them. This is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. 'You know, as a sportsman, when you grind for something, and this is a very high intensity, high quality tournament, which is of great value in world cricket today. I'm someone that wants to win the big tournaments, the big moments, and this one was missing.' The missing one Roger Federer was the clear No. 2 on clay from 2006 to 2008 when he made three straight French Open finals. The only problem was that the man dominating the tournament, Rafa Nadal, was pretty much an insurmountable hurdle and had beaten Federer in all three including a 6–1, 6–3, 6–0 pounding in 2008. But then Robin Soderling produced an epic performance to beat the Spaniard, and the Swiss ace pounced on the opportunity. 'It meant a lot to me because it was the last Grand Slam that I was still missing. For me, I had won all the others by 2004, so I had to wait a good five, six years… So, of course, when I won it finally, on a rainy day here in Paris and I came through in the final, it was a beautiful moment,' Federer later said. There are many other greats who will identify with the feeling. Having made his India debut in 1989, Sachin Tendulkar had to wait till 2011 to get his hands on a World Cup. 'In the end, what matters is that the trophy is sitting in your dressing room and not in the opposition's dressing room, and that happened to us,' Tendulkar later said. 'It was the ultimate feeling on the cricket field to take that victory lap as champions...' Sometimes the wait is so long that one starts believing it isn't meant to be. That is when resilience, a single-minded focus and luck make their presence felt. India's first individual Olympic gold was built on a manic approach by Abhinav Bindra; Andry Murray became the first British male to win Wimbledon in 77 years in 2013, but many will remember the Henmania inspired by Tim Henman as well. Henman didn't find joy but his struggle inspired a generation. For Blackburn fans, the wait to win the top-flight English football league lasted 81 years but few will top the Red Sox baseball team winning the World Series in 2004, 86 years after their previous title. It inspired jokes and there was even talk of the Curse of the Bambino as the team's trophy drought started after they traded Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1920. Through it all, the fans, the teams and the players persist. The wait is excruciatingly painful but at the end of the day — as Kohli and RCB will attest — that is what makes the victory taste sweeter still.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Mozart of tennis' Gasquet bows out in Paris
French Open 2025 Dates: 25 May-8 June Venue: Roland Garros Coverage: Live radio commentary on BBC 5 Sports Extra, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and app One small step for Jannik Sinner marked one giant leap into a new life for Richard Gasquet. World number one Sinner's 6-3 6-0 6-4 victory over the 38-year-old Gasquet marked the end of the Frenchman's playing career. The terracotta courts of Roland Garros provided a fitting setting for the fond farewell, almost 30 years after Gasquet first came to the nation's attention. Gasquet's legacy will be his ravishing backhand. His career will be measured not by Slam wins but largely by the pleasure his signature shot brought, particularly to the adoring French public. In 2023, the website ranked Gasquet's backhand as the fifth greatest single-hander of the Open era. It described it as possibly "the most aesthetically pleasing one-handed backhand drive" of that period. Only major winners Stan Wawrinka, Ken Rosewall, Justine Henin and Federer, occupying top spot, outranked Gasquet. It was not for nothing that a 15-year-old Gasquet was compared to Mozart by then French Tennis Federation president Lionel Faujare. "When I stop, even after 10 years, I'll still be able to hit backhands," Gasquet said in April . Gasquet became famous in France at the age of nine, when Tennis Magazine put him on their cover, with the headline: "Richard G. Nine years old. The champion France has been waiting for?" Living up to the billing was a daunting assignment. Aged 12, he beat Rafael Nadal in the junior Les Petits As tournament, but as a professional the head-to-head was 18-0 in Nadal's favour. He was 2-19 against Roger Federer and 1-13 against Novak Djokovic. Gasquet won French Open and US Open junior singles titles, and the senior mixed doubles as a 17-year-old at Roland Garros in 2004 with Tatiana Golovin. He reached three Grand Slam semi-finals, including two at Wimbledon, and won 16 ATP titles, a Davis Cup in 2017 with France and an Olympic doubles bronze at London 2012. In March 2009, he tested positive for cocaine and was provisionally banned for a year but later cleared, successfully arguing he was unknowingly contaminated after kissing a woman, known as Pamela, in a Miami nightclub. He reached seventh in the world rankings and matched a Federer record - winning matches in 24 consecutive seasons at ATP level. But the backhand - that was everything. Franck Ramella, Gasquet's biographer and tennis writer for L'Equipe: "I think he is happy with his career. Because he never wanted or ever claimed to be the ultimate champion. "He never recognised himself in what others expected of him. What was complicated for him was the expectations. "We had a lot of hope. We've been waiting for a men's champion since Yannick Noah [in 1983] at Roland Garros, so there's a kind of failure syndrome [in French tennis]. So as soon as someone can win, we put a lot of intensity into it, a lot of belief. France really believed in him. "Every time he lost or didn't make it to the final, there was disappointment but he was incredibly good." Watch: 'Are you kidding me?' Gasquet hits incredible winner against Federer Watch: How fast can Gasquet re-grip?
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer-Novak Djokovic rivalry set for fresh twist as comeback looms for Spaniard
Rafael Nadal may have admitted that he hasn't picked up the racquet since he retired from professional tennis last November, but a comeback looms for the Spaniard, as rumour has it he is likely to turn to the courts to add a fresh twist to his long-standing rivalry with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. It was Toni Nadal, Rafa's uncle and former coach, who hinted that the 38-year-old could soon be seen in action playing exhibition matches opposite Federer and even Djokovic, who recently claimed ahead of the start of the French Open that his career too is approaching an end. "I imagine he'd like to do some exhibitions with Federer soon, to give back a little of everything tennis has given him and what tennis has meant to him," Toni told CLAY and RG Media. 'It would be very special for people to see the three of them playing again. And yes, I think they'll have to do something, because I suppose people will be motivated to see them play later on.' Although admitting that it wasn't Rafa himself who came up with the idea of playing exhibition matches, but Toni outlined the reason why it remains a strong possibility. "I think I've been close enough to him to know him a little and know that he would be excited to play with Federer. Tennis has been a big part of his life, it's meant a big part to him, and you don't just erase it from one day to the next. Federer and Djokovic, who forged a two-decade-long rivalry with Nadal, one that defined the golden age in men's tennis, were both present in Paris on Sunday for the 22-time Grand Slam winner's farewell ceremony on the Court Philippe Chatrier. Andy Murray, together with whom they formed the Big Four, was also present. Toni reckoned 2026 could be the year for Nadal's return to the court, despite his nephew expecting the birth of his second child this year, and that he had given up on tennis because of his body. "After these months away from the courts, I think at some point he'll want to get back to training and feel like he's playing the ball well. I'm convinced that soon, quite soon, he'll be back playing," he added. A source from the Italian Tennis Federation (ITF) told CLAY that the organisers of the Italian Open are planning a tribute ceremony for Nadal next year. He had won the Rome Masters 10 times in his career. "In 2024, Nadal knew there was a tribute planned, but he didn't want to do it. In 2026, it would be logical for us to pay tribute to him, and it's clear that Paris has raised the bar significantly. The most important thing will be to do something he likes."
Globe and Mail
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Djokovic thought about his own future retirement while at Nadal's farewell ceremony at French Open
As Novak Djokovic chatted at Court Philippe-Chatrier with his greatest rivals in tennis – Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray, all of whom have retired – he couldn't help but think about when his day to walk away might arrive. 'Well, I mean, honestly, I was thinking about my end of the road, as well,' Djokovic said with a smile Monday, a day before he'll play his first-round match at the French Open against Mackie McDonald of the United States. 'But,' Djokovic added moments later with a grin, 'I didn't think about the exact date, if that's what you're looking for.' Federer, Djokovic and Murray made a surprise appearance Sunday at the ceremony to honour Nadal for his 14 championships at Roland-Garros. Djokovic, who turned 38 last week, won the 100th title of his career over the weekend at the Geneva Open on red clay – something the Serbian called 'definitely much needed for my game and confidence level coming into Roland-Garros.' He is the youngest member of a quartet that combined to collect 69 Grand Slam trophies, and came to be known by some as the Big Four of men's tennis while they dominated the sport for years. Federer, 43, played his final match in 2021; Murray, 38, stopped after last year's Paris Olympics; Nadal finished up last season and was feted Sunday for his 14 championships at Roland-Garros. 'I was obviously talking to Federer and Murray about their goodbyes and reminiscing and reflecting on the rivalries. And of course, part of me is proud that I'm still there, that I'm still going,' said Djokovic, who owns a record 24 major titles, including three in Paris. 'But at the same time, I was, and I still am, a bit sad that they're all gone, because those guys were my greatest motivations of why I competed so intensely and for so long.' Part of what went through Djokovic's mind on Sunday was an appreciation for the way Nadal was celebrated. And Djokovic also pondered what might happen when he decides to stop. 'Rafa deserved what he got yesterday in full intensity of its glory. … Each one of us dreams of being remembered in such a way and celebrated, of course,' Djokovic said. 'I do wish one day that I can get that kind of goodbye from the world of tennis, for sure.' He got emotional listening to Nadal's speech and seeing the way the Spaniard's relatives and team members reacted. 'It was a really heartwarming moment,' Djokovic said. 'Even though we were the fiercest rivals, it's that personal touch that is out there when you kind of spill your heart out on the court, as he did yesterday. It's almost impossible it doesn't touch you deeply.' Djokovic was briefly coached by Murray this season until splitting recently, and Djokovic said it was a mutual decision. He also said Murray teased that it was only after they went their separate ways that Djokovic earned his first title of the season by winning in Geneva on Saturday. 'I,' Djokovic said, 'didn't take that as a joke.' ___ Howard Fendrich has been the AP's tennis writer since 2002. Find his stories here: More AP tennis:
New York Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Novak Djokovic, after attending Rafael Nadal's farewell ceremony, hopes to receive similar goodbye
ROLAND GARROS, PARIS — Novak Djokovic said Monday that he hopes for a similar send-off to the one enjoyed by his great rival Rafael Nadal at the French Open a day earlier — though he stopped short of indicating when that might be. Djokovic was a part of Nadal's farewell ceremony at Roland Garros over the weekend, joining Roger Federer and Andy Murray on court to celebrate the Spaniard's legendary career that included 14 French Open titles. Advertisement Djokovic is the only man to have won more than Nadal's 22 Grand Slams — he is going for a 25th in Paris over the next couple of weeks — and at 38 has started to give thought to what his farewell might look like. 'I do think that Rafa deserved what he got yesterday in full intensity of its glory, and of course, each one of us dreams of being remembered in such a way and celebrated,' Djokovic said Monday. 'I do wish one day that I can get the kind of goodbye from the world of tennis, for sure.' Seeing Nadal, Federer and Murray all retire in the last few years has prompted Djokovic to think more about his own mortality. 'Honestly, I was thinking about my end of the road as well yesterday when we were watching Rafa having his speech,' Djokovic said. 'Particularly those moments when we were in the back room, the three of us, and I was just, yeah, obviously talking to Federer and Murray about their good-byes and reminiscing and reflecting on the rivalries, and of course part of me is proud that I'm still there, that I'm still going, but at the same time, I was, and I still am a bit sad that they're all gone, because those guys were my greatest motivations for why I competed so intensely and for so long. 'But I didn't think about the exact date, if that's what you're looking for,' Djokovic added, with a smile. His immediate focus is continuing his resurgence from last week to arrest what had been a historically bad run of form. Djokovic won the Geneva Open on Saturday, a 100th career title, following four opening-round defeats in his previous five events — including his first two of the clay-court season. Djokovic admitted Monday that after such a bad run, 'you start to maybe doubt your game.' He added that: 'You don't want to be in that state of the mind coming into Grand Slams.' Advertisement Instead, entering Roland Garros off the back of those wins in Geneva means, 'it's a different feeling for me now than it was two, three weeks ago, for sure.' Djokovic's return to form last week coincided with him splitting with Murray, who had been coaching him on a trial basis since November. The pair reunited for the Nadal ceremony on Sunday, and Djokovic revealed that Murray 'did congratulate me, and he said, 'Now that you have a proper coach, you're winning tournaments.' Djokovic, in turn, said to Murray that he'd never seen him looking so smart. In his news conference, Djokovic praised Murray's work while coaching him and described his former rival as 'one of the most brilliant tennis IQ guys out there.' He again insisted the split had been 'mutual' and added that 'We both wanted to have a call and to speak, so we, actually, we both were on the same page. So it was not his initiative or my initiative. It was both of us coming together and just saying, you know, I think we should stop here.' Djokovic, who is now being coached by Dusan Vemic on a temporary basis, begins his quest for a fourth French Open title against Mackenzie McDonald on Tuesday. (Photo of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer: Susan Mullane / Imagn Images)
