After advancing to the third round at the Paris Rolex Masters, Carlos Alcaraz shared some enthusiastic reflections on his recent encounter with the legendary Roger Federer, highlighting how the Swiss icon gave him what felt like a tennis “masterclass.” The young Spaniard spoke to Eurosport about his unforgettable experience training with Federer during the Shanghai Rolex Masters. Despite an earlier-than-anticipated exit from the tournament in the quarterfinals, where Alcaraz was defeated by Tomas Machac in straight sets, the real highlight of his trip to Shanghai turned out to be a dream opportunity to spend time with Federer on and off the court.
Alcaraz, already regarded as one of the brightest talents in the game, found himself in awe of Federer’s presence at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai. The Swiss star, who retired in September 2022, made an appearance in Shanghai as part of his commitment to promote the sport globally and attend the prestigious Chinese tournament. As Federer was also on site to participate in promotional activities and connect with the tennis community, Alcaraz was thrilled to learn he would have a chance to interact directly with one of his idols. The opportunity to not only train with Federer but also have in-depth discussions with him was a surreal experience for the 20-year-old Spaniard, who has often credited Federer as a source of inspiration.
The event wasn’t limited to just practice. Alcaraz and Federer also shared the stands during the Shanghai final between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner. They both watched attentively, with Alcaraz soaking up Federer’s insights and observations on high-level play, further enriching his experience. The official X account of the tournament posted images of Alcaraz and Federer together, capturing the magical moment that thrilled tennis fans worldwide. Federer, often seen as a mentor and role model for younger players, took time to discuss Alcaraz’s game, answering his questions and sharing insights from his own illustrious career.
Speaking to Eurosport, Alcaraz couldn’t contain his admiration for Federer and expressed how much he valued the experience. “It was an incredible experience for me,” Alcaraz began, recounting his thoughts on training with Federer. “Having the chance to play with him was amazing. I had so much fun, every shot, watching him play so easily.” Alcaraz marveled at Federer’s effortless strokes and composure on the court, a reminder of the qualities that made Federer one of the most graceful players in tennis history. “I really enjoyed the rallies, and it was a dream to see him. It was a dream. It was a beautiful experience,” Alcaraz added, clearly thrilled by the opportunity to observe Federer’s legendary technique up close.
Alcaraz didn’t just admire Federer’s skill; he took the chance to seek advice, asking questions about Federer’s approach to the game during his peak. In doing so, he gained invaluable insights from someone who held the World No. 1 ranking for a record 310 weeks and won 20 Grand Slam titles. “I had the chance to talk to him a lot, ask him some questions about when he played,” Alcaraz shared. “It was a real masterclass from him.” To the young Spaniard, Federer’s advice was both practical and inspiring, helping Alcaraz gain new perspectives on his own game, especially as he prepares for the next steps in his rapidly ascending career.
Federer, for his part, was seen enjoying the interaction, offering tips and reflections that are sure to stick with Alcaraz as he navigates the top tiers of professional tennis. Alcaraz has already accomplished so much at a young age, with achievements including his rise to World No. 1 earlier in 2023 and a Grand Slam title under his belt. Yet, training with Federer was a reminder of the heights he still aspires to reach and the enduring legacy Federer left in the sport. This encounter with Federer served as both a learning experience and a source of motivation for Alcaraz, who sees Federer not only as a childhood idol but also as a symbol of excellence and longevity in tennis.
Federer’s impact on Alcaraz is emblematic of the effect he has had on countless young players who grew up watching his matches and studying his style. Alcaraz has often credited Federer, along with Rafael Nadal, for shaping his approach to the sport and fueling his ambition to succeed at the highest levels. With his own star rapidly rising, Alcaraz is already inspiring the next generation, much like Federer did for him. Meeting and training with Federer was a milestone for Alcaraz, a moment he will likely draw from as he continues to push his limits in his quest to add more Grand Slam titles to his career.
As Alcaraz progresses through the Paris Rolex Masters, he carries with him the inspiration and knowledge gained from his time with Federer. His words to Eurosport highlighted not just the technical lessons he learned but also the emotional significance of the experience. Alcaraz’s journey in professional tennis is only just beginning, but encounters like this serve as meaningful steps on his path. His goal is clear: to continue competing at the highest level, drawing inspiration from legends like Federer while building a legacy of his own.
The Spaniard’s Paris run will test his focus and skill as he seeks to add another title to his impressive record. And while he faces a challenging field of competitors, his time with Federer has armed him with renewed confidence and fresh insights. For fans of tennis, Alcaraz’s encounter with Federer is a symbolic passing of the torch, as one of the sport’s future stars absorbs wisdom from one of its all-time greats.