Carlos Alcaraz is one of tennis’ biggest and brightest stars, and is currently making up one half of a new duopoly that is dominating the men’s game.
He and Jannik Sinner have taken up right where the Big Three left off, forging a rivalry that already has fans the world over clamouring for more.
Their clash in the Roland Garros final sent shockwaves throughout the tennis community, leaving many wondering whether their rivalry, and the legacies they could create across their careers, could rival some of the greatest of all time.
After all, the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer must be fearing for their Grand Slam records given how these two have started their careers.
Alas, not all of this trio seems as bothered about retaining their glory as others, with the Swiss superstar having admitted, right to Carlos Alcaraz’s face, how he feels about watching him live.
Roger Federer’s private conversation with Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
And, this claim actually came after viewing him in the flesh for the very first time, all the way back in September 2024 during the Laver Cup.
It was to be the Spaniard’s debut at the event created by the 42-year-old, and he was undeniably the biggest name they had snagged.
As such, Team Europe seemed to instantly rely on him to lead them to the trophy, whilst their opponents justifiably feared him. Ironically, this event came after his shock early exit at the US Open.
Alcaraz would later explain exactly what it was like to meet Federer for the first time, and revealed the conversation they shared too.
He claimed: “It’s the first time that he watched one of my matches in real life, and I’m really happy that he was there watching our doubles.
“I think I’m good [at doubles], but I’m not as good as [I am at] the singles, I guess. I hope to see him tomorrow in the singles.
| Carlos Alcaraz | Roger Federer | |
| Grand Slam titles | 5 | 3 |
| Wimbledon titles | 2 | 2 |
| Masters 1000 titles | 7 | 4 |
“I hope he enjoyed the doubles match, and obviously it was great seeing him in the practice. He didn’t tell me any tactics, any advice.
“But he just told me that he’s really happy about watching me in real life, that I’m here. It was a great time for me. I wished [for] that moment for a long time.”
It’s actually been said that Alcaraz is doing something that both Federer and Nadal failed to at his age already, as a testament to his talent.
Could Carlos Alcaraz surpass Roger Federer’s legacy?
There are so many records set by Federer that it’s actually impossible to keep up.
However, the outstanding ones, such as his 20 Grand Slam titles and eight at Wimbledon, remain there for all to see.
Alcaraz is already on the path to usurping both, given he already boasts five majors at the age of just 22, two of which came at the All-England Club.
And, had he beaten Sinner in their most recent showdown, he would have been one step closer to both records.
Fortunately, time is on the Spaniard’s side, and the expectation is that he will retire alongside these legends of the sport.
If both Alcaraz and his Italian rival continue to dominate the tour as they have done, they will match the Big Three in no time at all. However, if others can step up and reach their level, it might preserve Federer, Nadal and Djokovic’s records for a little bit longer.
