No baselines defined: Alcaraz’s comeback and the power of possibility

Carlos Alcaraz’s victory in Sunday's 2025 French Open final is a quintessential “no baselines” moment—a match that shattered expectations and rewrote the script in real time. Down two sets and facing three championship points against the world No. 1, Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz refused to be confined by the apparent boundaries of defeat. Instead of playing safe or sticking to conventional patterns, he embraced risk and creativity, using sharp angles, drop shots, and relentless aggression to claw his way back into the contest. His ability to cut off court positions and improvise under immense pressure exemplified a mindset that goes beyond the literal and figurative baselines of tennis.

This epic comeback wasn’t just about technical prowess; it was about mental elasticity and the courage to redefine what’s possible on the sport’s grandest stage. Alcaraz’s resilience, especially in the marathon fifth-set tiebreak, turned a near-certain loss into a historic triumph, embodying the “No Baselines” ethos of pushing past limits and refusing to accept the status quo. His performance stands as a testament to the power of imagination and grit—qualities that inspire not just tennis fans, but anyone who believes in breaking through boundaries, whether on clay courts or in life’s arenas.

Please watch and rewatch the match’s defining “no baselines” moment as Alcaraz overcame triple match/championship points. Finally, read Jason Gay's post tournament column. Mr Gay is one of our favorite journalists and his thoughtful University of Wisconsin commencement address will appear in an upcoming post.