Federer believes Alcaraz can win the US Open and is amazed by Jódar

Roger Federer is a major figure this week after receiving a warm welcome in New York and playing a couple of exhibitions at the US Open 2026. Now, he has headed to the Hall of Fame, where he will soon have his induction ceremony, and he does not hold back on discussing current topics in tennis, such as evaluating the moment of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Jódar.

In an interview for ESPN conducted in New York, Roger Federer reflects on various aspects and leaves his mark by also speaking about himself, his sports career assessed from his current perspective, and how he views his legacy a few years after retiring. Perhaps the most striking for Spanish fans are his references to Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Jódar, two of the top contenders for the title at the US Open 2026.

Roger and his five consecutive titles at the US Open

“I think it is more difficult to win the US Open several times in a row. I don’t know why, maybe it’s a bit easier at Wimbledon or Roland Garros. Here I feel that we have more rivals in general. Everyone can play well on hard courts.”

“Additionally, you have the factor of wind, humidity, day and night sessions. The conditions change a lot. Although it also happens more on grass or clay now, for a long time, it was something quite unique to the US Open.”

“I quickly looked at whom I had defeated in those finals and thought: ‘Wow, they were players of enormous quality.’ Being able to defeat them one after another was special. I am also very proud of having been able to combine Wimbledon with the US Open and support it by winning here for so many years. I think that is something very difficult to achieve.”

Federer highlights the rise of Rafael Jódar

The former number one also talked about the young players who are catching his attention, particularly noting the growth exhibited by Rafael Jódar.

“I think Jódar’s rise has been incredible. A few months ago, I wouldn’t have imagined it and I don't think anyone would have. The way he is managing to maintain his level is amazing. I also like Ben and enjoy watching Fonseca play. They are great hitters, players looking for important shots and who also have great personalities.”

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Federer's doubt about Alcaraz before the US Open

The Swiss was asked about the challenge Carlos Alcaraz faces in tackling the US Open after a long period without competing.

“I think it depends. We probably won’t know unless you have more concrete information. How long has he been training? Has he been able to train at maximum? How much time has it been? A week? A month? I think that makes a difference.”

“If it was only a week, I think it will be very complicated. If it was a month, I give him a good chance to find his rhythm quickly. He needs to get through the first three rounds to start gaining momentum.”

“If he has had a month of quality training, or at least more than a week, I think that will really help him feel like he can win the tournament.”

How Roger Federer managed to maintain his hunger for so many years

“Being number one is a privilege. I know that all other tennis players would like to be there. Out of respect for the sport and everyone else, I could not wake up thinking: ‘I’m not in the mood, I don’t like tennis, this is no longer fun’.”

“This was my dream and I was living it at that moment. So you have to take advantage of it because once you lose it or it disappears, you'll never find it again. When you reach number one in the world, you are at the top of the mountain, where it is very windy and everyone wants a piece of you. It is very difficult to protect yourself from all those elements.”

“Everyone is trying to find a way to defeat you, so it also depends on me not becoming complacent, staying on track, and continuing to improve.”

How Federer perceives his legacy

“During the career, you think a lot about winning and losing. After it is no longer about that. It is more about the feelings you have left in people. Now that I am retired, people approach me and say: ‘I miss seeing you play’ or ‘I loved watching you play’. That still resonates with me.”

“It’s nice to know that you are missed. But the sport moves on and is advancing in a fantastic direction. Alcaraz and Sinner are taking this sport to a dimension we have never seen. It’s very interesting to see what is possible to do right now.”

Federer explains how to build a long career

“My goal was already to play for a long time when I was 23 years old. I thought about making it at least to 35, maybe even more. Having that desire and dream from a young age helps you visualize a long trajectory.”

“Then you need to understand what your body can handle. You need to have the right team around you, decide which tournaments to play, and where you want to reach your peak. If you think you will be at your best at every tournament, that is simply not realistic.”

“It’s tough to accept that a tournament maybe isn’t a priority, but you can play it with less pressure because your expectations are lower. Then you can have higher expectations at another tournament, like the US Open, because that is your goal.”

“I think navigating all that is the biggest challenge. It’s not easy because sometimes teams change, your mentality changes, and the first injuries appear. Then you have to learn to overcome them and adapt your game to the problems you carry with you, like a backpack, for the rest of your career.”

It is always interesting to hear what a sports legend like Roger Federer has to say, even more so when he speaks with the frankness and clarity he does in this conversation. His perception that Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner are elevating tennis is very remarkable, as is his attentiveness to the rise of young players like Rafael Jódar. His reflections on his own career fill us with nostalgia but, above all, make us feel fortunate to have witnessed his journey.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Federer cree que Alcaraz puede ganar el US Open y alucina con Jódar