2026-01-15 11:32:31
Roger Federer hopes that Carlos Alcaraz completes the career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open.
The 22-year-old Spaniard will become the youngest player to win the full set of majors if he triumphs in Melbourne and the tennis icon believes that it will be a “special moment” for the sport if Alcaraz accomplishes the feat.
Federer – who is in Melbourne for a special ceremony marking his career before the start of the Australian Open this weekend – said: “At his young age, completing the career Grand Slam would be crazy.
“Let’s see if he is able to do crazy this week. I hope he does because for the game it would be an unbelievably special moment.”
However, the 20-time major winner knows that Alcaraz will be under additional pressure to seal his spot in the history books and cited golfer Rory McIlroy’s lengthy wait to complete the career Grand Slam by winning The Masters.
Federer said: “It’s like Rory [McIlroy] going for The Masters, those things are tough.”
Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have emerged as the dominant figures in men’s tennis in recent years and the former world number one thinks the rivalry between the pair is a “wonderful” thing for the game.
Federer, who retired from tennis in 2022, said: “What we’ve seen in terms of their progression in the last years, it’s been wonderful.
“I practised with those guys a little bit. They’re incredible ball strikers.
“There’s obviously more to come. I just hope they stay injury-free.”
Meanwhile, Federer explained that he is finding retirement to be “much easier” than expected and explained that he has no interest in becoming a coach for the time being – even though he still “loves” watching tennis as a fan.
He said: “Never say never. [Stefan] Edberg said the same. I’m very busy, I’ve got four children. No chance for the moment.”
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