Carlos Alcaraz asked Roger Federer how he stayed motivated – here’s what the Swiss icon said

Carlos Alcaraz has shared the advice Roger Federer gave him when he asked the Swiss legend how he managed to stay motivated for so many years.

The Spanish star has identified Federer as one of his biggest idols, and explained at last year’s Laver Cup that he draws inspiration from the former world No 1 when it comes to his shot-making.

“I think one of the first tennis players who brought these kind of shots, making the impossible possible, was Roger,” the 21-year-old said.

“I watched him many, many times, his matches. He hit shots, unbelievable shots.

“Every kid wants to imitate him a little bit, and that’s why I’m trying in every practice, in every match, trying to bring some good shots in the match, to make the people enjoy watching tennis a little bit.”

Alcaraz shed light a memorable conversation he had with Federer in his recently-released Netflix documentary series: Carlos Alcaraz: My Way.

The four-time major winner revealed Federer emphasised having fun as the key to maintaining motivation on the tennis tour.

“I asked him what he did to stay motivated for so many years. Year after year after year,” Alcaraz recalled.

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“He said you’ve got to enjoy the journey, you need to have fun at the tournaments, wherever you go.

“Friends, things to do. Go to the movies. Go to… always have something fun to do wherever you go.”

Federer was interviewed for the documentary, and he spoke about the value of occasionally taking a break from the limelight as a tennis star.

“The compatible life is a tricky one, right? Because you want to be everywhere, but you can’t be,” said the Swiss.

“It’s definitely very challenging trying to put the puzzle all together.

“But [it is] important to sometimes take a break, get away from it all, so when you do come back, you’re actually excited to be in the limelight again.”

Federer won 103 singles titles, including 20 Grand Slams, during a staggering professional career spanning from 1998 to 2022. He won an incredible 1,251 of his 1,526 singles matches.

The Swiss was 41 when he retired after partnering Rafael Nadal in doubles in his last-ever match at the 2022 Laver Cup.

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