French Open Final Sets the Stage for a New Tennis Debate
The 2025 French Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will be remembered as one of the greatest matches in tennis history. Lasting a marathon five hours and 29 minutes, it became the longest final ever at Roland Garros and pushed both players to their absolute limits. While fans marveled at Alcaraz’s dramatic comeback from two sets down and Sinner’s fierce resistance, American tennis legend Andy Roddick took the conversation in a bold new direction.
Roddick Praises Tennis Athleticism Over NBA
On his ‘Served’ podcast, Roddick ignited debate by calling tennis players the “best athletes in the world.” He compared the grueling five-hour demands of Grand Slam tennis to the NBA’s 48-minute games, emphasizing tennis’ unique test of endurance, physical skill, and mental fortitude. “I think tennis players are the best athletes in the world,” Roddick declared. “Five hours and 40-something minutes on the biggest stages. You compare this to other sports—an NBA game is 48 minutes, played in air conditioning, with teammates and timeouts. To say one thing doesn’t mean you’re throwing shade at someone else. I’m celebrating and applauding one set of athletes.”
A mental, physical, and INDIVIDUAL sport- this is pure and complete athleticism 💪 pic.twitter.com/ut5G1Ge4x3
— Served with Andy Roddick (@Served_Podcast) June 9, 2025
Alcaraz and Sinner Push Each Other to the Limit
Both Alcaraz and Sinner left everything on the clay, with Alcaraz saving three championship points and clinching his second French Open crown at just 22. Sinner, despite the loss, called the match “very special” and praised the high level of play, stating, “It was good to see that we can produce tennis like this. It’s good for the sport and the fans.”
A Show of Pure Individual Brilliance
Unlike many team sports, tennis players face their battles alone, relying only on themselves to dig deep and find the will to win. As Roddick pointed out, “The more I watch it, the more I think it. Tennis players are the best athletes in the world. The most complete examination of an athlete that I can think of.” With no teammates to rely on, no timeouts, and no running clock, tennis is a true test of endurance and heart.
What’s Next?
As the grass court season approaches, tennis fans are already looking forward to more showdowns between Alcaraz and Sinner. But the question remains: Is tennis truly the ultimate sport for testing athletic greatness, or is Roddick’s take just stirring the pot? Drop your thoughts below!