Federer backs Alcaraz to complete career Slam in Melbourne

Roger Federer says he hopes Carlos Alcaraz can win the upcoming Australian Open and become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.

Six-time major champion Alcaraz, 22, will bid to add the Melbourne title to his two Wimbledon, two French Open and two US Open crowns.

Swiss great Federer completed the career Grand Slam with his 2009 French Open triumph, but by 2004 he had already secured victories at the other three majors.

Completing the set can involve a wait, and Federer said: “It’s like Rory [McIlroy] going for the Masters, those things are tough.”

The 44-year-old told a news conference at Melbourne Park: “At his young age, completing the career Grand Slam would be crazy.

World number one Alcaraz is one half of an engrossing rivalry with Italy’s Jannik Sinner, which has evoked memories of Federer’s own tussles with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Spain’s Alcaraz and Sinner have split the past eight Grand Slam titles between them and contested the past three finals.

“What we’ve seen in terms of their progression in the last years, it’s been wonderful,” said Federer, who never faced either player before retiring in 2022.

“I practised with those guys a little bit. They’re incredible ball strikers.

Federer is at the Australian Open for the first time since 2020 for a special ceremony on Saturday to honour his career.

The former world number one won 20 Grand Slam titles – including a men’s record of eight Wimbledon triumphs – and claimed 103 ATP Tour titles.

The six-time Melbourne champion says he is finding retirement “much easier” than he anticipated and is able to spend more time at home with his family.

While he enjoys spending time on court with his children, and “loves” watching as a fan, he does not have any plans to move into coaching.