Federer Backs Alcaraz’s Historic Push for a Career Grand Slam

Roger Federer believes Carlos Alcaraz has the talent and temperament to make history at the Australian Open, backing the Spaniard to complete the career Grand Slam at just 22 years of age. Speaking at Melbourne Park, the Swiss legend described such an achievement as “crazy” at this stage of a player’s career, but insisted it would be a moment of enormous significance for tennis.

Alcaraz arrives in Melbourne already boasting an extraordinary résumé: two Wimbledon titles, two French Open crowns and two US Open triumphs. Victory at the Australian Open would see him join one of the most exclusive clubs in the sport, becoming the youngest man to win all four Grand Slam tournaments in singles. Federer himself achieved the feat in 2009 at Roland Garros, though by the age of 22 he had already lifted trophies at Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open.

Drawing a parallel with golf, Federer likened the challenge to Rory McIlroy’s long pursuit of the Masters, underlining how elusive a final piece of sporting immortality can be. Yet he was emphatic in his support, noting that Alcaraz’s rapid rise and consistency at the highest level suggest he is capable of rewriting the record books sooner rather than later.

The world number one continues to define the modern era alongside Jannik Sinner, with the pair sharing the last eight Grand Slam titles and contesting the previous three major finals. Their rivalry has drawn inevitable comparisons to Federer’s own legendary battles with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, a golden era that shaped men’s tennis for nearly two decades. Federer praised both players as exceptional ball strikers and expressed hope that injuries do not derail what promises to be a defining rivalry of the next generation.

Now 44, Federer is attending the Australian Open for the first time since 2020, returning to Melbourne for a special ceremony celebrating his career. A six-time champion at the tournament, he retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 ATP Tour victories, including a men’s record eight Wimbledon crowns. He admitted retirement has been easier than expected, allowing him to spend more time with his family, and while he enjoys watching tennis and occasionally hitting balls with his children, a move into coaching is not on the immediate horizon.

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