A Good Sport

With three set points, it was his match to win. Jannik Sinner, the #1 player in the world, had the best clay court player on the ropes in the French Open Final. But Carlos Alcaraz would not be denied. 

After nearly six hours Alcaraz prevailed in what will be one of the greatest tennis matches of all time. A match Sinner will never forget.

I watched the final tiebreaker while on a treadmill at my local gym. The TV was muted so I had to rely on closed captioning to read what was being said. Even without the audio, it was poignant to watch an ecstatic Alcaraz and a dejected Sinner. And yet, Sinner humbly congratulated Alcaraz and then endured the live post-match interview having to somehow graciously answer the question, “What happened?”

Not many people watching can relate to such disappointment in front of millions of people. I know I can’t. But all of us can imagine how heart-breakingly painful it had to be to stay out there, answer questions, and watch his rival get presented with the winner’s trophy. Ouch.

Sinner is not just a good sport. He’s a great sport. 

Although not really being able to answer how victory escaped his clutch, he transitioned his response to thanking his coaching staff, thanking the tournament, the officials, and even the ball boys and girls for all of the work in taking care of all the player needs. It was vulnerable, kind, and courageous.

Yes, in what was probably Sinner’s darkest professional moment, he was the light. 

I doubt Jannik Sinner slept that night, and he may never get the images out of his head of “the one that got away,” but I won’t remember him for losing. I will remember him for his grace and humility in defeat.

It is easy to be gracious in victory (our President should take note). But the mark of true character is how we show up, respond, and behave in defeat (again, someone please tell our President). 

Who are you when things are not going your way? Who are you in your darkest moments? Do you respond like a victim or on purpose?

Jannik Sinner answered these question with flying colors.

-Travis