Carlos Alcaraz has openly admitted that Roger Federer was his idol growing up, even though the two never had the chance to face each other on the tennis court.
Alcaraz, who has taken the tennis world by storm in recent years, frequently speaks about the inspiration Federer provided him during his formative years. Federer’s grace, precision, and dominance on the court left a lasting impression on the young Spaniard, shaping his approach to the game. However, despite the reverence Alcaraz has for Federer, their careers did not overlap long enough for a competitive match. Nevertheless, a shared moment between the two could be on the horizon.
Roger Federer, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, is set to return to the tennis spotlight at the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin. This event is not just another tournament for Federer but a showcase of his enduring influence on the sport. The Laver Cup, a tournament Federer played a significant role in creating, brings together the best talent from Europe and around the world. The event has grown in prominence over the years, and Federer’s presence always adds to its allure. His return to this year’s edition is highly anticipated as fans and players alike look forward to seeing the Swiss Maestro back in action, even if only from the sidelines.
Federer has expressed his excitement about the 2024 Laver Cup and how he anticipates it will unfold. Team Europe, captained by Björn Borg, is bringing an incredibly strong lineup this year, with Carlos Alcaraz headlining the roster. Alcaraz’s presence marks a significant moment for Team Europe as they aim to reclaim the Laver Cup after losing it to Team World in the past two editions. Team Europe’s last victory was in 2021, and Federer is confident that this could be the year they turn things around.
In a recent interview, Federer shared his thoughts on the tournament and highlighted Team Europe’s strength. “I think that Team Europe is very strong this year, it’s stacked. In the singles matches, we are heavy favorites even though I know that Team World has great players right now that are red hot and playing super well, I still think most of the matches in singles are going to go Team Europe’s way, and then the doubles, I feel like most are going to go Team World’s way.”
This confidence stems not only from the sheer talent in Team Europe’s ranks but also from the hunger to reclaim their former glory. With Alcaraz leading the charge, there is renewed optimism that Team Europe will once again lift the trophy. Alcaraz has had a stellar rise in the sport, and his presence at the Laver Cup, alongside other top players like Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, makes Team Europe a formidable force. Federer’s belief in the team’s potential is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and the coaching staff.
Although Federer will be quite busy with various commitments at the Laver Cup, he also mentioned that he is looking forward to spending some time with Carlos Alcaraz. Despite Alcaraz idolizing Federer and having grown up admiring him, the two haven’t had many opportunities to interact on a personal level. Federer admitted that he barely knows Alcaraz and regrets not having the chance to connect with him earlier in his career. One of their few interactions came during a practice session at Wimbledon when Alcaraz was still a junior.
“I barely know Carlos Alcaraz, so I’m really excited to see him play for the very first time,” Federer said. “I only practiced once with him at Wimbledon when he was still a junior, and then the next day, my coach said, ‘Do you want to warm up with him again?’ And I said, ‘No, it’s okay, I’d rather warm up with his coach, who was my generation, Juan Carlos Ferrero.’ I can apologize to Carlos this week!”
This playful admission shows the light-hearted nature of Federer, but it also reflects his respect for Alcaraz’s journey in tennis. Federer’s decision to warm up with Ferrero, Alcaraz’s coach and a former Grand Slam champion himself, underscores the generational gap between the two. However, with Alcaraz now a top player, Federer’s regret over not practicing with him more could finally lead to a deeper connection.
The Laver Cup, which will be held for the seventh time this year, has been a huge success across the board, exceeding expectations. Federer has often spoken about the uncertainty that surrounded the event when it was first conceived. With the sport already having prestigious tournaments like the Grand Slams and ATP Finals, there were questions about whether the Laver Cup could carve out its niche. But Federer’s vision, combined with the involvement of legends like Rod Laver and top players from both Team Europe and Team World, has helped the tournament become a must-watch spectacle.
“There was a lot of uncertainty at the very beginning when we started seven years ago. Was everything going to go according to plan? Were people going to show up?” Federer recalled. “Did they like the product? Were the players going to show up? Being a player myself and also an organizer and trying to come up with a concept — it was quite the trip.”
The success of the Laver Cup has also allowed Federer to stay involved in the sport even after his retirement from competitive tennis. His role as an ambassador, organizer, and supporter of the tournament ensures that his legacy continues to grow, influencing the next generation of players like Alcaraz.
Federer’s admiration for Alcaraz is mutual, and the potential meeting of these two tennis icons at the Laver Cup could be a symbolic passing of the torch. For Alcaraz, sharing the same stage with Federer is a dream come true, and for Federer, seeing players like Alcaraz carry on the traditions of excellence in tennis is deeply gratifying. While they may never face each other in an official match, their interaction at the 2024 Laver Cup will undoubtedly be a memorable moment in tennis history.
As the Laver Cup approaches, all eyes will be on how Team Europe performs, with Alcaraz at the forefront. Federer’s continued involvement, even in retirement, keeps fans engaged and excited for the future of tennis, where new stars like Alcaraz are poised to take center stage.
