In a heartwarming turn of events, tennis legend Roger Federer has expressed his desire to apologize to rising star Carlos Alcaraz for a past incident that has lingered in his mind. The Swiss Maestro, known for his grace both on and off the court, recently shared an anecdote that highlights his humility and respect for the younger generation of tennis players.
The incident dates back to Wimbledon 2019, when Alcaraz was still a junior player. Federer, who was preparing for his matches, had the opportunity to practice with the young Spaniard. However, the next day, when Federer’s coach suggested another warm-up session with Alcaraz, Federer opted to practice with Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz’s coach and a former top player from Federer’s own generation.
Roger commetned: “I only practiced once with him at Wimbledon when he was still a junior, and then the next day, my coach said, ‘Do you want to warm up with him again?’ and I said, ‘No, it’s okay, I’d rather warm up with his coach, who was my generation, Juan Carlos Ferrero.’ I can apologize to Carlos this week.”
Reflecting on this decision, Federer admitted that he barely knew Alcaraz at the time and chose the familiarity of practicing with Ferrero. Now, with Alcaraz having made significant strides in his career, including winning multiple Grand Slam titles, Federer feels it’s the right moment to make amends.
Federer, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, will have the chance to meet Alcaraz at the upcoming Laver Cup in Berlin. The event, which Federer helped establish, brings together top players from Europe and the rest of the world in a unique team competition. This year’s edition will see Alcaraz making his debut, representing Team Europe.
In a recent interview, Federer expressed his excitement about seeing Alcaraz play and his intention to apologize for the past snub. He acknowledged Alcaraz’s impressive rise in the sport and his own eagerness to witness the young player’s talent firsthand.
This gesture from Federer is a testament to his character and the respect he holds for the new generation of tennis stars. It also highlights the camaraderie and sportsmanship that define the tennis community. As fans eagerly await the Laver Cup, this anticipated meeting between Federer and Alcaraz adds an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Federer’s willingness to apologize and connect with Alcaraz serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and respect in sports. It also underscores the enduring legacy of a player who continues to inspire both his peers and the next generation of athletes.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
At the moment ranked no.3, Carlos played his last match on the 13th of September when he defeated world no.18 Ugo Humbert 6-3 6-3 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
At the moment, during this season Carlos has achieved a composed 41-9 record. Alcaraz clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon. The Spaniard was the finalist in Paris.