Thought For The Day – Tuesday 10^th June 2025

As one inspirational  generation moves on,  a new generation, inspired by all who have gone before,  adds their unique magic.   Everyone writes their chapter, their book and their story.  Everyone builds on the stories of others.

We see this at T.B.S.H.S.   We see this in life.

At the French Open tennis tournament, the four iconic best men’s players of their era, and any era,  pictured in the first picture above, from left to right Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray, were celebrated and honoured.

On Sunday, in one of the very best ever men’s finals, if not the greatest ever match some experienced observers analyzed,  was played by Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, and Jannik Sinner, of Italy,  currently world ranked men’s two and one respectively . It was the second longest “Major” “Grand Slam” final in history and the longest in French Open history   Both players showed an inspirational resilience, fearless belief and other-worldly tennis over five hours and twenty nine minutes.  Carlos Alcaraz was two sets down and in the fourth set saved three Championship points.  Both players responded to challenges with the highest of levels and standards. This was a drama of undulations in acts and scenes stated “The Tennis Podcast”.  Like sport and life itself.  The wonderful and atmospheric commentary on “BBC Radio Five Live” matched the ambience, drama and gravity of the occasion. After the match, both players, as is customary in tennis, gave gracious, humble, inclusive, reflective, giving, emotional, grateful, appreciative and respectful speeches.  The love of the game in a city of love.  Both players, Tennis and Sport, won.

All year round, Tennis has always promoted advocated equality and inspirational Women’s leadership.  The outstanding stars of the game are diverse and equal. On Saturday,  Coco Gauff, 21-years-old, won her second “Grand Slam” tournament with a characteristically tenacious performance.  Coco is an outstanding role model, on and off the court. 

Before the final, Coco spoke, with a smile, so wisely, and with life perspective,  about dealing with pressure, being asked how “a big moment is kept small enough so that it is manageable”:

“I will give it my best…try be as calm and relaxed as possible.  Whatever happens happens, knowing that I put the best effort forward… It is miniscule. Everyone is dealing with way bigger things in life…I am lucky and privileged to be in this position. Regardless of the result, the sun will still rise…How big the moment is in our lives is not as big in the grand scheme of things.”

The motto of the French Open is: “Victory belongs to the most tenacious”.

On and off the court.