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MELBOURNE, January 13, 2026
Federer Hails Alcaraz-Sinner Rivalry, Rules Out Coaching Return
Retired tennis legend Roger Federer has lauded the burgeoning rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz adn Jannik Sinner, calling their 2025 Roland-Garros final “unreal” and predicting a luminous future for both players.
- Federer described the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry as “formidable” and “amazing.”
- He singled out their five-hour, 29-minute Roland-Garros final as a match that captivated the world.
- Despite training with both players, Federer dismissed the possibility of taking on a coaching role in the near future, citing family commitments.
“They play incredible tennis, their rivalry is formidable,” Federer said during a press conference in Melbourne, two days before the opening ceremony of the Australian Open. He highlighted the 2025 Roland-Garros final, where Alcaraz saved three match points against Sinner before securing victory in a grueling fifth set lasting 5 hours and 29 minutes, as a particularly memorable contest.
What makes the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry so special? Federer believes the intensity and quality of their matches are captivating audiences worldwide. “For tennis, it was fantastic to have such a match,” he said. “I have the impression that for a moment, the world of sport fell silent and fixed its eyes on Paris and on what was happening in this epic fifth set.”
The Swiss champion, who retired from the circuit more than three years ago and whose own career was defined by rivalries with Rafael Nadal (retired since 2024) and Novak Djokovic, still competing in the Australian Open, was effusive in his praise. “And suddenly, it all ended in the craziest way possible. It was perhaps one of the greatest matches in the history of this sport,” he enthused.
Federer noted that Alcaraz and Sinner continued to impress after Roland-Garros, consistently reaching finals, including Sinner’s triumph at Wimbledon and Alcaraz’s victory at the US Open.”They confirmed by competing in a bunch of finals,” he underlined.
Having spent time on the practice court with both rising stars, Federer is optimistic about their future. “I’ve trained a bit with these guys, they have an incredible touch on the ball. Their progress in recent years has been fantastic and… the best is of course still to
come.” Federer was also asked about the possibility of returning to tennis as a coach. He quickly dismissed the idea, stating that his priorities now lie with his family. “I’m enjoying my time with my kids, and I don’t see myself taking on a full-time coaching role anytime soon,” he explained. “I’m happy to offer advice when asked, but I’m not looking to get back into the daily grind of the tour.”
Why did Federer praise the rivalry? Federer believes the Alcaraz-Sinner dynamic is captivating because of its high level of play and dramatic moments. Who is involved? The key players are Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and roger federer. What happened? Federer lauded the rivalry and ruled out a coaching return. How did it end? Federer reaffirmed his commitment to family
