Carlos Alcaraz recently reflected on what he described as an “unbelievable experience” of sharing the court with one of his idols, Roger Federer, during a practice session at the Shanghai Masters. Alcaraz, who has been vocal about his admiration for Federer and his incredible shot-making ability, viewed the experience as nothing short of a “masterclass” from the Swiss legend. Now preparing for the Paris Masters—his third tournament in the French capital this year—Alcaraz is eager to show the Parisian crowd how much he has grown as a player over the past season.
The world No. 2 has often spoken about how Federer’s style of play has been an inspiration to him. In fact, during the Laver Cup last month, Alcaraz expressed how Federer has influenced his own shot-making approach, especially when it comes to attempting creative and challenging shots. “I think one of the first tennis players who brought these kind of shots, making the impossible possible, was Roger,” Alcaraz explained. “I watched him many, many times. He hit shots, unbelievable shots. Every kid wants to imitate him a little bit, and that’s why I’m trying in every practice, in every match, to bring some good shots in, to make people enjoy watching tennis a little bit.”
In his recent interview with *Eurosport*, Alcaraz described his practice session with Federer as surreal. “It was an unbelievable experience for me,” the 21-year-old Spaniard shared. “Having the chance to play with him was great. I just enjoyed every shot, watching him make them look so effortless. It was like living a dream—a great experience overall. I had the chance to talk with him, ask him questions about his time playing, and it was honestly like a masterclass from him.”
Federer, known for his graceful technique and precise execution, has undoubtedly left a mark on Alcaraz’s game. This inspiration, combined with Alcaraz’s own strengths, gives the young Spaniard an edge going into the Paris Masters. Alcaraz expressed confidence in how his aggressive playing style suits the conditions of the indoor hard courts. “I don’t have too much experience on this type of court, but my game suits it pretty well because of how aggressive I play,” he said. “I haven’t practiced or played too many tournaments here before, so I’ll need to get used to it, but I’m feeling ready for the challenge.”
Reflecting on the demanding tennis calendar, Alcaraz admitted that the intensity of the schedule can be draining by the year’s end. “The calendar is so demanding as well,” he noted, “and coming into the last tournament of the year, I often feel really tired. But this time, I’m fresh and excited. I have a lot of confidence. I think I’m better prepared to handle the end-of-season fatigue and I’m looking forward to giving my best here in Paris.”
In addition to his admiration for Federer, Alcaraz also feels a special connection to Paris after an unforgettable year in the French capital. This will be his third tournament in the city in 2024, having competed in both the French Open and the Olympics earlier in the year. “It’s great to be back in Paris,” Alcaraz said, smiling. “I thought a lot about my time here in Roland Garros and at the Olympics. I’m just happy to show my level again in front of the Parisian crowd. Hopefully, they’re going to enjoy the game. It’s a great feeling and extra motivation to return for this tournament.”
When asked about his standout memories in Paris, Alcaraz didn’t hesitate to share that his Roland Garros victory is the moment he cherishes the most. “Winning Roland Garros, biting the trophy, holding it with all my people around me—that’s the memory that stays with me,” he revealed. While he’s proud of his Olympic silver medal, the young Spaniard admitted that the loss in the final was bittersweet. “The Olympics was an incredible achievement for me, getting the silver medal. But I lost the final, so Roland Garros is what I remember the most,” he said.
Looking forward to the Paris Masters, Alcaraz is prepared to apply everything he’s learned throughout this rigorous season, including the insights from Federer. With the indoor hard-court conditions providing a unique challenge, Alcaraz remains confident that his adaptable playing style will be an asset. “Understanding how to play in these final tournaments of the year is key. I feel like I’ve learned a lot this season, and I’ll be approaching this tournament a bit differently,” he explained.
Alcaraz’s growth in 2024 has been apparent both on and off the court, and fans are eager to see how he performs in Paris. His return to the court following his achievements at Roland Garros and the Olympics has only deepened his connection to the city. Alcaraz is not only focused on delivering a strong performance but also aims to provide the crowd with an exciting display of tennis, much in the way Federer inspired him to do.
As he prepares to compete at the Paris Masters, Alcaraz carries the confidence of a Grand Slam champion and the thrill of having learned from one of the sport’s greatest. He is looking forward to showcasing his skills once more in the city that has already brought him such joy this season. Whether he’s pulling off breathtaking shots inspired by Federer or using his powerful forehand to dominate, Alcaraz is ready to give Paris a performance to remember.