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In a match that will go down as one of the most heroic comebacks in Grand Slam history, Carlos Alcaraz displayed nerves of steel and unmatched resilience to defeat Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set marathon to claim the Roland Garros 2025 men’s singles title.
Carlos Alcaraz scripts legendary comeback to win Roland Garros 2025 Final
The 22-year-old Spaniard Alcaraz, trailing by two sets, clawed his way back to win 4-6, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (10-2). In doing so, he saved three championship points and etched his name into tennis folklore, becoming the ninth man in the Open Era to win a major final after losing the first two sets. Lasting five hours and 29 minutes, the match shattered the record for the longest final in the tournament’s history, surpassing every other battle fought on the iconic red clay of Paris. This titanic clash wasn’t just a physical and mental test, it was a masterclass in courage, endurance, and heart.
Commentators draw parallels with sporting icon Virat Kohli
Meeting for the first time in a Grand Slam final, Alcaraz and Sinner delivered a contest brimming with intensity, flair, and tactical brilliance. But it was Alcaraz’s relentless grit, especially in the final two tiebreaks, that proved decisive. Soon after the dust settled on Alcaraz’s triumph, a viral video started circulating online, claiming that commentators compared Alcaraz’s performance to sporting greats Virat Kohli and Michael Jordan during the 2025 final. The footage suggested that the commentators were in awe of Alcaraz’s “never-say-die” attitude and drew parallels with Kohli’s competitive fire and Jordan’s legendary clutch moments.
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Fact Check: The truth behind the comparison between Alcaraz and Kohli
However, upon closer scrutiny, it was revealed that the comparison in question did not occur during the 2025 final against Sinner. Instead, the now-viral remark traces back to the 2023 French Open quarter-final, where Alcaraz faced Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas. In that match, following a breathtaking slice shot from Alcaraz, the commentator exclaimed:
“It’s like watching Virat Kohli playing cricket or Michael Jordan playing basketball,”
No Indian athlete has ever reached this level. Virat Kohli is the global ambassador of sports in India
— . (@chixxreturns) June 8, 2025
The crowd roared in appreciation, and the comparison immediately gained traction. It was a moment of high praise that perfectly encapsulated the brilliance of Alcaraz and acknowledged Kohli’s status as a global athlete, admired even in non-cricketing nations.
While cricket remains a regional sport in terms of global footprint, Kohli has transcended those boundaries to become a symbol of sporting excellence. His fiery commitment, unmatched consistency, and mental toughness have earned him recognition not only in cricketing nations but also among top athletes across various disciplines. That a tennis commentator at Roland Garros would reference Kohli in the same breath as Michael Jordan is a testament to the Indian superstar’s far-reaching influence and global appeal.
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