At just 21, Carlos Alcaraz has already cemented his place among tennis’s elite, with four Grand Slam titles and a relentless drive that draws comparisons to the sport’s greatest icons. Yet, even a prodigy like Alcaraz seeks guidance from those who’ve scaled the peaks he aspires to conquer. During a candid moment at the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin, the Spanish sensation sat down with Roger Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, to uncover the secret behind his remarkable longevity and passion for the game. The exchange, revealed in Alcaraz’s Netflix documentary Carlos Alcaraz: My Way, released on April 23, 2025, offers a glimpse into the mindset of two generations of tennis greatness.
Alcaraz, who has idolized Federer since childhood, seized the opportunity to ask a question that weighs heavily on any young star facing a grueling career: how do you stay motivated year after year? “I asked him what he did to stay motivated for so many years. Year after year,” Alcaraz shared. Federer’s response was as profound as it was simple, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in the journey. “He told me: ‘You have to enjoy the journey. You have to find joy in every tournament, no matter where you go. Spending time with friends, going to the movies… Making sure you always have something to do wherever you travel,’” Alcaraz recounted. Federer’s advice struck a chord, highlighting a philosophy that sustained his 24-year career: balancing the grind of professional tennis with moments of personal fulfillment.
Federer, now 43 and retired since 2022, elaborated on the delicate act of juggling professional and personal life. “Balancing life is tricky, isn’t it? You want to be everywhere, but you can’t. It’s a real challenge to fit all the puzzle pieces together. Sometimes, it’s important to take a break, step away from it all,” he said. This wisdom resonated deeply with Alcaraz, who has faced his own challenges in 2025. A recent injury forced him to withdraw from the Madrid Masters 1000 after a grueling final against Holger Rune in Barcelona, where he sustained an adductor injury. The setback, coupled with the relentless ATP schedule, has tested Alcaraz’s resilience, making Federer’s advice all the more timely.
The Laver Cup encounter wasn’t just a meeting of minds; it was a bridge between tennis’s past and future. Alcaraz, making his debut for Team Europe, delivered standout performances, defeating Ben Shelton in straight sets and clinching a crucial win over Taylor Fritz to secure the title. Federer, watching from the VIP stands, was visibly impressed, later praising Alcaraz’s “incredible movement and power” while offering a gentle warning about pacing himself. “He’s got to be careful, you know, [that] he doesn’t run basically for every ball because it’s not necessary. But he’ll learn that with age and with time,” Federer noted, reflecting on Alcaraz’s high-octane style.
Their bond extended beyond the court. In Shanghai, at the 2024 Rolex Masters, the pair shared a practice session that left Alcaraz in awe. “It seemed as if he had never retired,” Alcaraz marveled, noting Federer’s still-crisp groundstrokes. They also watched the final together, dissecting Jannik Sinner’s victory over Novak Djokovic, with Alcaraz eagerly absorbing Federer’s insights. “We talked about everything: the match, the final with Djokovic, and things he would have done,” Alcaraz said, cherishing the chance to learn from his hero.
Federer’s influence on Alcaraz runs deep. As a junior, Alcaraz practiced with Federer at Wimbledon in 2019, an experience he described as “a unique moment” that he commemorates with a framed photo in his room. Despite Federer once opting to hit with Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, instead of the then-unknown junior, the Swiss legend made amends in 2024, even helping Alcaraz adjust his tie during Laver Cup festivities. “I will never forget the first time I met Federer,” Alcaraz said, his admiration undimmed.
As Alcaraz navigates the pressures of stardom, Federer’s advice offers a roadmap. The Spaniard, who admitted to feeling unmotivated at times due to the ATP’s demanding schedule, finds inspiration in Federer’s emphasis on joy. “Sometimes I don’t feel motivated at all. But I play my best when I smile and enjoy it on court,” Alcaraz reflected. With the ATP Finals looming and a chance to cap his season on a high note, Alcaraz is determined to channel Federer’s wisdom, blending fierce ambition with the simple pleasures that keep the flame burning. Their exchange is a reminder that even the brightest stars look to legends for guidance, ensuring tennis’s legacy endures.