Tennis icon Roger Federer has made it clear that he will not take on a full-time coaching role for rising star Carlos Alcaraz. The 20-time Grand Slam champion cited his busy family life as the primary reason for this decision.
Family Comes First for Federer
Federer explained his position in a recent interview with TNT Sports. He stated that his children and personal commitments currently take up all his time. The Swiss maestro did leave the door open for offering some peripheral advice to the young Spaniard.
"I'm out, I'm definitely out," Federer said emphatically. "Maybe I could give him some advice on the periphery but everybody knows I'm too busy with my children and my life at the minute."
Alcaraz's Coaching Situation
Federer believes Alcaraz might not even need a permanent coach to achieve his goals. He pointed out that the 20-year-old is playing exceptionally well right now. The tennis legend did acknowledge that finding the right coach could still be beneficial for Alcaraz's long-term development.
"I think he can get [the career Grand Slam] with a coach or without a coach, he is that good obviously," Federer remarked. "A good coach definitely will be helping."
Federer also touched upon Alcaraz's current coaching situation with Juan Carlos Ferrero. He recognized that this transition period might feel uncomfortable for the young player but emphasized it's a normal part of professional tennis.
Australian Open Favorites
Looking ahead to the 2026 Australian Open, Federer identified several strong contenders. He named Jannik Sinner as another major favorite for the title. The six-time Australian Open champion also included Novak Djokovic in his list of top competitors.
"[Jannik] Sinner is obviously the other big, big favourite and I believe Novak [Djokovic] will have a good shot as well," Federer added.
Special Moment Ahead
Federer compared Alcaraz's quest for his first Australian Open title to Rory McIlroy's pursuit of the Masters championship. He expressed hope that Alcaraz would achieve this milestone, describing it as potentially "an unbelievable, special moment" for the young champion.
The tennis legend emphasized how crucial it is for Alcaraz to find the right support team. He stressed that having the correct person in his corner could make a significant difference in the Spaniard's career trajectory.
Federer's comments highlight the ongoing evolution in tennis coaching relationships. They also underscore how even retired champions continue to influence the sport through their insights and mentorship.
