Roger Federer, the Swiss maestro who redefined tennis with his grace and precision, returned to Melbourne Park on Thursday with high praise for the sport’s newest powerhouse duo: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Speaking at a press conference just days before the Australian Open kicks off, Federer described their rivalry as “formidable,” highlighting how the young stars have captivated fans and elevated the men’s game in the post-Big Three era.
The 44-year-old Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion and six-time winner at the Australian Open, is in town as the headline guest for the tournament’s inaugural opening ceremony on Saturday. His appearance comes at a pivotal moment for tennis, with world No. 1 Alcaraz and No. 2 Sinner poised to dominate the draw. Between them, the Spaniard and Italian have claimed the last eight major titles, trading blows in finals at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open over the past two years.
“They play incredible tennis and their rivalry is formidable,” Federer said, reflecting on the intensity that has drawn global attention. He singled out their 2025 Roland Garros final as a standout, where Alcaraz staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Sinner in five sets after five hours and 29 minutes on court. The Spaniard saved three match points in the decider, turning what seemed like certain defeat into a victory that Federer called “one of the best matches in the history of this sport.”
“For tennis, it was fantastic to have a match like that,” Federer added. “At one moment, the sports world started looking at Paris and what was happening in that epic fifth set. It ended in the craziest way possible.”
Federer’s comments echo the sentiment across the tennis community, where the “Sincaraz” rivalry – a portmanteau blending their names – has been hailed as the successor to the legendary battles among Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Nadal retired in 2024 after a storied career, while Djokovic, at 38, remains active and will compete in this year’s Australian Open as a 10-time champion. But the spotlight has shifted firmly to the 22-year-old Alcaraz and 24-year-old Sinner, who have not only split majors but also pushed each other to new heights.
Alcaraz enters the tournament as the top seed, chasing his first Australian Open title to complete a career Grand Slam – a feat that would make him the youngest man to achieve it since the Open Era began. He already holds two French Open crowns (2024 and 2025), back-to-back Wimbledon’s (2023 and 2024), and US Open wins in 2022 and 2025, totaling six majors. Federer, who knows the pressure of such pursuits, called the prospect “crazy” but expressed hope that Alcaraz pulls it off.
“I hope he does because for the game, that would be an unbelievable, special moment,” Federer said. He drew a parallel to golfer Rory McIlroy’s ongoing quest for a Masters title to complete his own slam, noting how elusive one major can be despite dominance elsewhere. Alcaraz has never advanced past the quarterfinals in Melbourne, adding intrigue to his campaign.
Sinner, meanwhile, arrives as the defending champion, aiming for a third consecutive title at Melbourne Park after triumphs in 2024 and 2025. The Italian’s baseline prowess and mental fortitude have made him a formidable force on hard courts, where he has won 14 of his last 15 matches at the Australian Open. Their head-to-head stands at 10-6 in Alcaraz’s favor, but Sinner has claimed victories in key encounters, including the 2025 Wimbledon final.
Federer revealed he has hit with both players recently, praising their rapid development and technical skills. “I’ve practiced a little with both Alcaraz and Sinner,” he said. “Their touch is incredible, and the pace of their growth in recent years is impressive. The best is still to come. I hope injuries stay away.”
When pressed on which player he identifies with more, Federer leaned toward Alcaraz, citing stylistic similarities. “When I see Carlos, I perceive more similarities with myself,” he explained. “How he does drop shots, how he defends and attacks. I feel more identified with him; I understand him.” This nod to the Spaniard’s all-court flair contrasts with Sinner’s more methodical, power-driven approach, though Federer stressed both are exceptional.
The rivalry’s appeal lies not just in their on-court fireworks but in their off-court camaraderie, often described as a “bromance.” The pair have spoken openly about how they motivate each other, with Alcaraz once saying after a match, “We both push each other to be better, to be 100 percent.” Sinner has echoed this, admitting early doubts about matching Alcaraz’s meteoric rise but crediting their battles for his growth.
As the Australian Open draw unfolds, fans anticipate another chapter in this saga. Alcaraz opens against Australian wildcard Adam Walton, while Sinner faces a qualifier. A potential final matchup would mark their fourth straight major decider, a streak unmatched since the Big Three’s heyday.
Federer’s own career featured iconic rivalries that defined an era, including 40 meetings with Nadal and 50 with Djokovic. Retired since 2022, he now balances family life with four children and various commitments, including his role in the Laver Cup. Asked about coaching either Alcaraz or Sinner, he laughed it off for now. “You can never say never,” he said with a smile, “but I’m very busy. I have four kids, so for the moment, there’s no option.”
Beyond the top two, the tournament features Djokovic seeking an 11th title, though his form has waned amid the youth surge. Other contenders include Americans Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton, who have shown promise in recent slams. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka defends her title against a field led by Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.
Federer’s visit underscores Melbourne’s status as the “Happy Slam,” a nickname he popularized for its welcoming atmosphere. He reflected on his six titles here, from 2004 to 2018, and expressed excitement for the new opening ceremony, which aims to celebrate tennis’s global appeal.
As Alcaraz and Sinner prepare to battle, Federer’s endorsement serves as a bridge between generations. Their rivalry, he believes, has injected fresh energy into the sport, ensuring tennis remains compelling long after the Big Three’s dominance. With the first round starting Sunday, all eyes are on whether “Sincaraz” will deliver another epic.
