Yesterday’s match was epic. It was an history-making battle between Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, and Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz overcame a two-set deficit and saved three championship points to defeat world No. 1 Sinner during a grueling and nail-biting 5+ hours marathon.
To be honest, I’m not your typical tennis enthusiast, but my interest has grown through my kid’s passion for the sport. Yesterday’s game was more than a sporting spectacle, it was a classic masterclass and a great reminder of the necessary qualities essential for startup success. So much so that it was the source of inspiration for this week’s edition of Profitable Growth.
Not as much AI-related content this time, but great learnings regardless. Here are my key takeaways:
Resilience and Endurance Are Key, Not Sprints
- Alcaraz’s comeback from two sets down and saving multiple championship points reminded me that setbacks are inevitable, but resilience and the ability to endure long, grueling challenges are what separate winners from the rest in the end.
- The tech space, like clay courts, can be unpredictable and punishing. Founders and their leaders must prepare for the long game, cultivating both personal and organizational stamina. They should help their teams do the same for maximum scale.
Remaining Agile Makes the Difference
- Alcaraz’s shift in tactics mid-match, changing pace, mixing spins, and pulling Sinner into uncomfortable positions, demonstrated the importance of adapting strategies when your original plan doesn’t work.
- Startups must be willing to admit when initiatives are no longer working and pivot quickly in response to new challenges or market realities.
Mental Toughness and Composure Under Pressure
- Both players faced immense pressure, especially Alcaraz, during Sinner’s championship points. His ability to stay composed and execute under stress is a vital entrepreneurial trait.
- Founders and CEOs regularly face high-stakes decisions and must maintain clarity and calm, especially when the odds seem stacked against them.
Playing to Your Strengths But Stay Coachable
- Alcaraz leaned into his unique strengths: his aggressive forehand and creative shot-making, rather than trying to out-discipline Sinner at his own game.
- Startups should focus on their core competencies and distinctive value propositions, continuously improving through customer feedback.
Goal Setting and Incremental Progress
- Both players set and chased ambitious goals, but their progress came point by point, game by game.
- Leaders should set bold targets for their teams but recognize that success is built through consistent, incremental achievements and learning from each step.
Final Thought
The 2025 Roland Garros men’s final was a showcase of grit, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence. For all of us, it’s a reminder that success is rarely linear. Those who endure, adapt, and play to their strengths, while learning from every challenge, are the ones who ultimately lift the trophy.
Here’s the link to the highlights on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aERKJuBtIGw
