Roger Federer has tipped Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz to achieve a "crazy" piece of tennis history by winning the Australian Open and completing the career Grand Slam.
Federer's High Praise for Alcaraz's Historic Bid
The Swiss maestro, speaking at Melbourne Park on Thursday 15 January 2026, drew a parallel between Alcaraz's quest and golfer Rory McIlroy's pursuit of the Masters. Alcaraz, aged just 22, is aiming to become the youngest man ever to win all four major titles. He has already secured two victories each at Wimbledon, the French Open, and the US Open, but his best result in Melbourne remains a quarter-final finish.
"At his young age to be able to complete the career grand slam would be crazy," Federer stated. "Let’s see if he is able to do crazy this week, and I hope he does because for the game that would be an unbelievably special moment." Federer, who completed his own career slam at 27, was quick to note the challenge, adding that the rest of the field would be determined to stop the top seed.
The Defining Rivalry with Sinner
Federer, who retired in September 2022, has watched the new era of men's tennis unfold, dominated by the duel between Alcaraz and Italian rival Jannik Sinner. The pair have shared the last eight major titles and made history at the US Open by contesting three consecutive major finals, a first in the Open Era.
"The rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner I think is a great one, they play incredible tennis," Federer said. He reserved special praise for their epic five-set final at Roland Garros last year, calling it "one of the greatest games we’ve ever had in our sport" and an event that made the sporting world stand still.
Federer expressed hope that both players stay injury-free, noting from his practice sessions with them that they are "incredible ball strikers" with more still to come.
Federer's Emotional Return to Melbourne
The six-time Australian Open champion is back at the tournament for the first time since his final competitive appearance there in 2020. Federer, now 44, will be the headline attraction at the inaugural opening ceremony on Rod Laver Arena this Saturday, where he will join Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt for an exhibition match.
"I just love being back here," an emotional Federer shared. "I never actually did a whole farewell, all of a sudden it was all over. Of course I have great memories from just being here. It’s been an incredible tournament for me and one of my favourite places to play tennis."
Admitting to feeling nerves and excitement about picking up his racket again, he concluded: "It’s too easy and too convenient just to stay home and say, ‘I don’t need to do it’. I’m nervous, I’m excited, I’m happy I’m here."
