Roger Federer ‘would be sad’ if he didn’t face teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz says renowned pundit
Former British professional tennis player Annabel Croft has claimed that Roger Federer “would be sad” if he doesn’t get to face off against Spanish teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz.
The Swiss maestro Federer has been away from the game for the last 12 months due to knee surgery, and is hoping stage a return by late Summer meaning he may be in contention to feature at the US Open.
The Swiss icon has also been confirmed to compete in September’s Laver Cup alongside Nadal as the illustrious duo form Team Europe.
However by the time the 40-year-old Grand Slam legend returns, he’ll have another opponent to contest with if he is to win an illusive 21st Grand Slam title.
This year has seen the meteoric rise of Carlos Alcaraz, with the 19-year-old enhancing his credentials this week as one of tennis’ most-promising players as he won the Madrid Open on Sunday.
The Spaniard was too good for world number three Alexander Zverev,as he dismantled the German 6-3, 6-1 to claim the trophy.
Alcaraz’s victory came after he’d beaten Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal on his way to the final, and as a result became the first man to ever defeat Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal back-to-back at the same tournament on clay.
Former world number 24 Annabel Croft has argued that Roger Federer will be “sad” if he never gets to play the man from Murcia.
Speaking to Amazon Prime, the former WTA star told reporters, “It’s a shame that he’s (Federer) not playing at the moment because he’s had this knee surgery and we’re not quite sure when he’s back.
“He is aiming to come back in September / October time and I think he would have loved to have taken him on.
“I mean of course he is older and it will be difficult for him because he never had a chance to face him.
“I’m sure he would be sad if he never has the chance to face him and see what would happen.”
Croft then went on to discuss men’s tennis after the ‘Big three’ have left the sport, arguing that the future of the ATP tour is in good hands.
“To think that men’s tennis has been almost panicking about who is going to take over from the Big Three / Big Four.
“Of course, the vacuum is always filled.”
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