Roger Federer’s return to Melbourne Park has generated an expectation typical of his glory years. In his first appearance before the media this Thursday, the Swiss player not only showed his joy at returning to the Australian Open. He also delved into a tactical analysis of the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
With his characteristic elegance, Federer confessed that watching the Spaniard gives him a feeling of technical familiarity that he does not feel with other players: “I put myself more in Alcaraz’s mentality and skin than in Sinner’s. I see myself reflected in his offensive game and the way he tries to create angles. With Jannik it is different; “Only once, watching his match against Dimitrov at Wimbledon, did I think for the first time what it would have been like to play against him and what tactics I should have employed.”
The debate about the speed of the fields was not left out. Federer launched a bold reflection on how the organization of the tournaments seems to favor the clash between the two young giants, suggesting that the homogeneity of the surfaces limits the variety of styles. “Tournament directors think, ‘I’d rather have Sinner and Alcaraz in the final, you know?’ In a way, this works for the tennis business. But for me I would like to see Alcaraz or Sinner on super fast courts and then play the same match on super slow courts to see how their styles adapt and see how they perform under extreme conditions,” explained the Swiss, underlining that the lack of diversity in surfaces benefits a more predictable type of game.
Regarding the precocity of the success of the new generation, Federer was amazed by the speed with which they have taken over at the top. He recognized that, although the talent was evident, the solidity shown in the Grand Slam finals is what really makes the difference. “We all knew they were going to be good, even very good, but no one expected this domain so soon. It is spectacular for tennis that they are playing one final after another against each other on the biggest stages. “They have already made a name for themselves and now the next question we all ask ourselves is who will be the next one capable of challenging that established order,” said the 20-time major winner.
One of the most reflective moments came when he was asked about longevity and the weight of expectations, a topic on which he has personally advised Carlos Alcaraz.
Federer emphasized the importance of not looking too far into the calendar to avoid mental exhaustion. “A person once told me that you don’t have to think about playing until you’re 35 or 38 years old. You have to be focused on the next five years, from now until you’re 27. And when you reach that age, then think about another five years. It’s not about projecting a 20-year career from the beginning, but about going year by year and taking care of your body,” said the Swiss.
Federer also had words for Joao Fonseca, the young Brazilian promise who has him as his greatest idol. After meeting him personally at the last Laver Cup, the Swiss highlighted the 19-year-old’s virtues, but insisted that the path to the elite requires a careful transition. “I have seen Joao and I am impressed by his power, especially his serve and his forehand. He is a boy with incredible energy, but what I am most interested in seeing is how he manages difficult moments. I would like to tell him my stories, what I felt about tennis when I was his age, because many people say that I was not very dedicated in my youth and perhaps that will help him understand that talent takes time,” he said with a smile.
Federer also remembered with nostalgia his battles at the Rod Laver Arena, the stage where he lifted six trophies and experienced some of the most emotional moments of his sporting life. For him, returning to this venue has a meaning that transcends the professional. “I have experienced so many emotions in this stadium… the joy of winning, the honor of playing against Rod Laver himself and the challenge of competing against my greatest opponents. But what I treasure most, and what made me return this year for the exhibition, is the love and unconditional support of the Australian fans, who always made me feel at home,” he added.
Finally, the Swiss closed his speech by reaffirming his commitment to tennis, even from outside the white lines. His agenda in Melbourne includes a charity gala and a sold-out legends exhibition on Saturday. “I have to admit that what these guys do seems easy, but I have been there and I know how difficult it is to maintain that level week after week. Seeing the sport from the outside gives me a different perspective and makes me value even more the era we live in. Tennis is in great hands and I am simply happy to be another spectator this year,” he concluded before leaving to applause.
The Australian Open can be followed on the Disney+ Plan Premium screen.
