Federer: "I identify myself with the style and mentality of Alcaraz"

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The nostalgia has taken over all tennis lovers when seeing Roger Federer at the press conference of the 2026 Australian Open. We were happy years ago, and we truly appreciate it now that we won't see the Swiss play again... Or will we? This Saturday he will step onto the court at Rod Laver Arena to play tennis, but before that, he had many things to say about his history in Melbourne and the current state of tennis.

A unique presence, overflowing charisma, and natural elegance. That's what Roger Federer exuded on the court and continues to do so off it. The Swiss is in Melbourne to participate in various promotional events of the 2026 Australian Open and his sponsors, with the exhibition event on Saturday at Rod Laver Arena as the highlight. Before that, he went through a press conference to address various issues of great interest to the tennis world.

This is what Roger Federer said at the 2026 Australian Open press conference

What it means for him to return to the Australian Open and his career assessment

"The truth is that I am a bit nervous; it's been a long time since I was here, and I couldn't really say goodbye to this tournament as I would have liked to. I have great memories here; it's one of my favorite tournaments. I will always remember the 2017 title because I came without any expectations. I think I would have settled for reaching the quarterfinals. But my coach, Luthi, convinced me that I could do it. I played very well and achieved one of the most special successes in my career," said the Swiss.

"I am very excited to be here and participate in the event on Saturday. It is very easy to stay at home once you leave the circuit, but it means a lot to me to spend time with people from the tennis world. I came here with my parents, and we are enjoying the experience," he said before evaluating his career. "I would have been happy to win half of what I won. I never imagined achieving so much in my career, and having competed for so long is something that makes me proud," he asserted.

Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry and special connection with the Spaniard

"The rivalry Carlos and Jannik are building is impressive. They play incredible tennis, and the 2025 Roland Garros final was one of the best matches of all time. The world stopped to watch in Paris, and it's great that our sport generates such things. Both have progressed exceptionally well in recent years; I just hope they remain injury-free. I was able to train with them, and it's impressive how they hit the ball," said the Swiss.

Asked about the possibility of Alcaraz completing the Career Grand Slam in Melbourne, Federer was firm. "Managing those things is difficult, but we already know Carlos's approach. His mindset needs to be point by point. The truth is that it would be crazy if he achieved it so soon in his career," he said before talking about his special connection with the Spaniard.

"When I saw Dimitrov play Sinner at Wimbledon, I started to imagine what it would have been like to play against Jannik. He plays in a very different way from me. The truth is that when I watch Carlos compete, I perceive more similarities with me, and I feel more identified. The way he drop shots, comes to the net, how he is able to alternate defenses and attacks... Both of us like to play our way; I feel involved with his mindset. The truth is that I love watching tennis as a mere fan," explained the Swiss.

Opinion on Joao Fonseca

"I hope his mindset is not that of being the third wheel with Carlos and Jannik, but rather that of becoming the best. He should approach each tournament with the goal of becoming the champion. What makes him unique is his power. The truth is that they have a special aura, and he seems like a very nice guy; I really enjoy watching him play. I think he is similar to me in the sense that he needs more time to improve his game and know when to change the pace. Once he achieves that, the sky is his limit," he commented on the Brazilian.

How he managed his tennis retirement and if he would consider being a coach

"The way the final stretch of my career unfolded, with injuries and playing less and less, made the retirement easier because I had time to prepare myself. Honestly, when I made the decision, it was a relief. Right now, I feel great; I have great control over what I do in my life, and I am enjoying my family," said Roger Federer, who did not rule out being a coach someday. "Never say never, although right now I am very busy; I have four children," he said with a chuckle.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Federer: "Me siento identificado con el estilo y la mentalidad de Alcaraz"