Legendary Swiss tennis player Roger Federer said today that he hopes Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz will triumph at the upcoming Australian Open and become the youngest player to win all four Grand Slam tournaments.
Alcaraz has so far won two trophies at Wimbledon, two at Roland Garros and two at the US Open, and at the Australian Open, the 22-year-old Spaniard did not advance beyond the quarterfinals.
Federer won three Grand Slam titles by 2004, and completed his title haul with a triumph at Roland Garros in 2009.
"It's like when golfer Rory McIlroy goes to the Masters, those things are tough. At such a young age, it would be crazy to complete a Grand Slam. I hope he does because it would be an incredibly special moment for tennis," Federer said at a press conference at Melbourne Park, the BBC reported.
The world's number one tennis player, Alcaraz, has created a great rivalry with the second-ranked Italian, Janiko Sinero, similar to what Federer once had with Spaniard Rafael Nadal and Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic.
Alkaras and Siner have won titles in the last eight Grand Slam tournaments and played in the previous three finals.
"What we've seen in terms of progress in recent years has been wonderful. I've trained with them a bit, they're hitting the ball incredibly. Obviously there's going to be more, I just hope they avoid injuries," said Federer, who retired in 2022 and has never played against Alcaraz and Siner.
Federer is at the Australian Open for the first time since his semifinal loss in 2020, for a special ceremony where organizers will celebrate his career.
He has won 20 Grand Slam titles, including a record eight at Wimbledon, and has won 103 ATP trophies.
The six-time Australian Open winner said he is taking the withdrawal much easier than he expected and is now able to spend much more time with his family.
Although he enjoys spending time on the court with his children and loves watching tennis as a fan, the 44-year-old Swiss has no plans to pursue a coaching career.
"Never say never. Stefan Edberg said the same thing. I'm very busy, I have four children. No chance at the moment," Federer said.
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