Federer in Melbourne: What the Legend Really Thinks About Alcaraz, Serena, and the ‘Lies’ of Tour Life (in 9 key quotes)
Roger Federer spoke at the Australian Open on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s Opening Ceremony and exhibition match. Here are the 9 key takeaways from his press conference.
Roger Federer, Australian Open 2026 | © Zuma / PsNewz
On Thursday, the presence of Roger Federer thrilled the draw day at the Australian Open. The Swiss legend arrived in Melbourne to headline the inaugural AO 2026 Opening Ceremony, scheduled for Saturday night, but before he picks up a racquet for the “Battle of World No. 1s,
1. Identifying with Carlos Alcaraz’s game
While Federer was full of praise for the current dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, he made a fascinating tactical distinction. He noted that while Sinner is an “incredible ball striker,” he feels a deeper stylistic connection to Alcaraz. “When I watch Carlos compete, I perceive more similarities with me,” Federer remarked, citing the Spaniard’s frequent use of the drop shot, his willingness to charge the net, and his ability to alternate between aggressive offense and creative defense.
2. Federer’s advice to João Fonseca: “Be THE Guy”
When asked about the rise of Brazilian sensation João Fonseca, Federer offered a glimpse into the champion’s mindset. He pushed back against the narrative of a “Big Three” hierarchy. “You don’t want to be the third guy, you want to be the guy,” he stated firmly. Federer’s advice to the next generation was clear: do not settle for being a supporting character in the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry; aim for the summit. Fonseca is currently World No. 30.
3. 2017 Remains the “Special One”
Despite six titles in Melbourne between 2004 and 2018, Federer singled out his 2017 victory over Rafael Nadal as his most cherished memory. “I came here with no expectations… I would have been happy with the quarterfinals,” he recalled, coming from a six-month rehab. He credited his coaches Severin Lüthi and Ivan Ljubicic for believing in him when he was ranked 17th in the world and returning from a six-month injury layoff. Federer was aged 35 and would have been happy with a quarterfinal run, he said.+1
4. Retirement was a “relief,” not a burden
Addressing the psychological toll of his final years on tour, Federer was refreshingly honest about his 2022 exit, aged 41. “I was really super ready for retirement, so when it happened, it was a relief.” He described the exhaustion of having to “play along with the media”—masking physical pain with a “feel great” public face. He also shared a personal anecdote about the stress of keeping the news quiet: “My parents calling me and saying, ‘When are you going to announce it? Your father is asking me how are you feeling, and I know how you’re feeling, but can I tell him, because it might leak.’ These things, you’re just happy when it’s all sorted out.” He confirmed he has “zero regrets” about the timing of his departure.
5. Even the Maestro gets nervous in the media theater
In a rare moment of vulnerability, Federer admitted to feeling a flutter of nerves as he walked into the media room. “I’m a little nervous, to be honest,” the 44-year-old confessed. “I haven’t done this whole press conference thing for a while.” Despite his 24-year career in the spotlight, the transition from global icon to “guest of honor” has brought a fresh perspective to his relationship with the sport.
6. The “Sincaraz” Era is Global
Federer reflected on the 2025 Roland-Garros final between Sinner and Alcaraz as a turning point for the sport. “The world stood still… maybe one of the greatest games we’ve ever had.” He expressed joy that the sport didn’t “need” the Big Three to maintain its global momentum, noting that the intensity and ball-striking of the current top two are at a level he finds “unreal.”
7. A comeback from Serena Williams would be “incredible”
Federer didn’t shy away from the latest gossip surrounding Serena Williams. While rumors of a comeback have been circulating (and denied by Serena herself), Federer noted the complexity of the situation: “I heard that she entered the doping program, and then I heard she said she’s not coming back.” While he remained diplomatic, he acknowledged that a return for the 23-time champion would be “incredible for the game.”
8. The “McIlroy” Comparison for Alcaraz
Federer offered a rare cross-sport analogy when discussing the pressure on world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz to win in Melbourne. He compared the Spaniard’s struggle to pass the quarter-finals here to golfer Rory McIlroy’s decade-long pursuit of the green jacket. Federer noted that once a player has three of the four majors, the “weight” of the final one becomes a different kind of mental battle. “It’s like Rory going for the Masters. Those things are tough… At his young age, to be able to complete the career Grand Slam already now would be crazy.” Alcaraz will try to get his career Slam aged 22, while Federer achieved it in 2009, aged 28.
9. The “Retirement Routine”: Tennis is Now a Choice, Not a Chore
The final question of the conference focused on how the Maestro has prepared for his exhibition match against Agassi, Hewitt, and Rafter. Federer laughed as he admitted that his “training routine” has fundamentally shifted. He revealed that he no longer feels the “obligation” to be on court and sometimes goes weeks without picking up a racquet. However, he noted that returning to Melbourne Park has “sparked the itch” again, and he has spent the last 48 hours hitting with some of the younger players just to ensure he “doesn’t look too rusty” during the opening ceremony.
