Roger Federer Responds to Coaching Carlos Alcaraz Question

Roger Federer just shut down any hopes that he might coach Carlos Alcaraz after the young superstar split with his longtime mentor last month.

The idea wasn’t as crazy as it sounds. Tennis legend Mats Wilander recently suggested that Federer would be the perfect fit for Alcaraz, given his incredible status in the sport and the way their playing styles match up.

But Federer made it crystal clear during an interview with TNT Sports in Melbourne: it’s not happening.

"I’m out, I’m definitely out. I could give him some advice from the periphery, but everyone knows that I’m too busy with my children and with my life for that."

The timing was pretty wild. Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero unexpectedly parted ways just last month, ending a partnership that started in 2019 when Carlos was still a teenager.

It’s the first time in Alcaraz’s professional career that he’s starting a season without Ferrero in his corner.

Since retiring at the 2022 Laver Cup in that emotional doubles match with Rafael Nadal, Federer has mostly stayed away from the day-to-day tennis world. He shows up at Wimbledon and a few other tournaments, but that’s about it.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion clearly has other priorities these days.

What Federer thinks about Alcaraz’s chances

Even without a coach, Federer thinks Alcaraz has what it takes to win the Australian Open.

"I think he could get it (Australian Open title) with or without a coach, he’s that good. Good coaching will definitely help, though, and I don’t know if he’s done press here already and talk about the Ferrero situation, which might be a little bit uncomfortable for him."

That’s high praise from someone who knows a thing or two about winning in Melbourne. Federer won the Australian Open six times during his career.

The current world No. 1 has been absolutely dominant recently. Along with Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz has split the last eight Grand Slam titles between them.

People were worried about what would happen to men’s tennis after Federer and Nadal retired, but these two young stars have more than filled that gap.

Federer also pointed out something that’s pretty amazing when you think about it: Alcaraz has a real shot at completing the Career Grand Slam at just 21 years old.

"That’s something you have to do a pro, and it’s definitely going to be important for him to find the right person in his corner, and to have a chance for a Career Grand Slam at his age is incredible. Let’s see if he can do it."

He’s already won the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. The Australian Open is the only major title missing from his collection.

Federer’s picks for the women’s tournament

While Federer usually focuses on the men’s game, he also shared his thoughts about the women’s Australian Open favorites.

He mentioned the obvious contenders: Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek. But there’s one player he’s really hoping will break through.

Belinda Bencic, his fellow Swiss player, has been playing some really solid tennis lately at the United Cup.

"Obviously, Sabalenka has been very strong on hard courts. Then I think Iga and Coco, and then Belinda, on the outside, comes and wins her first Major. That would be beautiful."

Sabalenka definitely makes sense as a favorite. She’s won the Australian Open the past two years and just looks unstoppable on hard courts.

But wouldn’t it be something if Bencic could pull off the upset? She’s 27 now, so this might be one of her best remaining chances to win that first Grand Slam title.

The tournament is shaping up to be pretty interesting on both sides. Alcaraz will have to navigate questions about his coaching situation while trying to complete his Grand Slam collection.

And with Federer ruling himself out as a potential mentor, the speculation about who might join Alcaraz’s team will probably continue throughout the tournament.