Federer: "From current tennis, I would like to face Alcaraz"

Roger Federer has been the big name of the day on Monday, August 24, at the 2026 US Open. The Swiss legend attended a press conference to discuss several current topics, and when asked who he would like to face if he were still active, he acknowledged that he would love to face Carlos Alcaraz, as he never had the opportunity to do so in his prime.

In fact, Alcaraz has had great matches against Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, but Federer is the only one he hasn’t been able to face. Roger also shares this regret, and he has made it known. "From the current tennis, I would like to face Alcaraz. I think it would be exciting. I never had the chance to play against him. Or Sinner, the same. We only trained a bit together when they were starting out. I missed out on that generation a bit, unfortunately. There are many players I couldn’t face due to my knee problem. Obviously, Novak would also be special. He continues to compete at the highest level, he is still there, and that is incredible. I think especially about those players," he acknowledged.

Federer is happy about Alcaraz's return at the US Open

Alcaraz is precisely the big name in the singles draw of the US Open, as he has announced his return in the last Grand Slam of the year after 4 and a half months out of the circuit due to a wrist injury. Federer has also emphasized how important this news is for tennis because of what the Spanish player represents. "It’s nice to see Carlos back. I’m glad he made it in time. We’ll see how he feels," he concluded.

It’s a shame that Alcaraz and Federer never crossed paths on the circuit, as the magic and variety of shots both possess would have been a real delight for spectators. However, beyond some exhibition match in the future, it is now impossible for us to see them face each other on a tennis court.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Federer: "Del tenis actual, me gustaría enfrentarme a Alcaraz"