Following his defeat in the Wimbledon 2025 final to Jannik Sinner on July 13, Carlos Alcaraz received a heartfelt message of support from NBA icon Pau Gasol, a fellow Spaniard and Los Angeles Lakers legend. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who lost 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in a bid for a third consecutive Wimbledon title, made a candid admission during the match, shouting to his coaches, “From the baseline, he’s much better than me!”—a rare moment of vulnerability that highlighted Sinner’s dominance. Despite the loss, Alcaraz took to Instagram to graciously congratulate Sinner, writing, “Congratulations @janniksin for your first Wimbledon 🏆! Very well deserved! 🤝🏻 Thank you everyone for your support! 💚 I feel at home and it’s really special to play here! 🫶🏻 See you all next year!”
Gasol, a two-time NBA champion and a known tennis enthusiast who has often cheered for Alcaraz, responded with an uplifting message on his Instagram Stories: “Great tournament Carlos! Very proud of you. Vamos!! 💪.” The gesture reflects Gasol’s admiration for Alcaraz’s resilience, especially after the Spaniard’s grueling French Open comeback against Sinner just weeks earlier. Gasol’s support carries weight, given his own history of overcoming adversity, including leading the Lakers to titles in 2009 and 2010 alongside Kobe Bryant. His message serves as a reminder of Alcaraz’s potential, despite the setback that ended his 24-match winning streak.
Alcaraz’s admission and subsequent grace in defeat have resonated widely, with Gasol’s words adding a layer of comfort as the young tennis star prepares for future challenges, including the US Open. The exchange underscores a bond between two Spanish sporting icons, bridging basketball and tennis in a moment of mutual respect.
