MELBOURNE:
Roger Federer mentioned on Thursday that Carlos Alcaraz successful the Australian Open to finish the profession Grand Slam aged simply 22 can be “loopy”.
Spain’s Alcaraz already has six main titles however success on the Melbourne Park laborious courts is a evident gap in his resume.
Ought to the world primary snap his Australia drought on the match beginning on Sunday, he would turn into the youngest man to seal a profession Grand Slam.
“At his younger age to have the ability to full the profession Grand Slam already can be loopy,” Swiss legend Federer mentioned at Melbourne Park, the place he’ll headline a “Battle of the World No.1s” on the official launch of the 2026 Australian Open on Saturday.
“Let’s examine if he is capable of do ‘loopy’ this week. I hope he does as a result of for the sport that may be an unbelievable and particular second.”
Alcaraz is aiming to surpass retired compatriot Rafael Nadal, who secured all 4 majors by the age of 24, however the prime seed has not made it previous the quarter-finals in 4 earlier Australian Opens.
Federer, a six-time Melbourne champion, in contrast Alcaraz’s wait to raise the title there to Rory McIlroy’s agonising makes an attempt to win a primary Masters in golf.
The Northern Irishman lastly did it final 12 months to finish the Grand Slam.
“It is like Rory going for the Masters. These issues are robust,” mentioned Federer.
Alcaraz faces residence hope Adam Walton within the first spherical.
The now-retired Federer was additionally requested by reporters about Joao Fonseca, an up-and-coming Brazilian tennis expertise aged 19.
Federer spoke glowingly of {the teenager}, saying: “What separates him from a number of the opposite guys within the draw is simply his energy – forehand, backhand, serve and simply what he is capable of carry level by level.
“He is thrilling, he is acquired good aura, he is a really likeable character as properly. I like watching him play.
“The sky is the restrict.
