Carlos Alcaraz opens up on receiving ‘masterclass’ from Roger Federer
Carlos Alcaraz has reflected on the “unbelievable experience” of playing with Roger Federer and labelled it a “masterclass” from the Swiss legend.
The world No 2 also looked ahead to his appearance at the Paris Masters, which is his third tournament in the French capital this year.
During the Shanghai Masters earlier this month, Alcaraz took to the court to hit with Federer, who he has identified as one of his idols.
At the Laver Cup last month, Alcaraz explained he draws inspiration from Federer 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 Spaniard 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.”
Carlos Alcaraz News
Carlos Alcaraz pays Jannik Sinner the ultimate tribute with gushing comments
‘Carlos Alcaraz will be a new Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’, claims French tennis legend
In an interview with Eurosport ahead of the Paris Masters, Alcaraz spoke about his light practice session with Federer in Shanghai.
“It was an unbelievable experience for me,” the Spaniard said. “Having the chance to play with him, it was great.
“I just enjoyed so much, every shot, watching him playing the shots so easily. It was a dream. It was a great experience.
“I had the chance to talk a lot with him, ask him some questions about when he was playing. It was a masterclass honestly from him.”
The four-time Grand Slam champion declared he feels his game is a good fit to the indoor hard-court conditions of the Masters 1000 event in Paris.
“Well, I don’t have too much experience playing on the court, my game suits pretty well here because of how aggressive I play,” Alcaraz said.
“I never practised here before, I didn’t play too much tournaments here before, so I have to get used to it.
“The calendar is so demanding as well, so coming to the last tournament of the year, probably I’ve been really tired.
“Hopefully it’s not gonna happen again. I am fresh, excited, I have a lot of confidence. I think it’s gonna be different.
“I understand a little bit about how to play in these last tournaments, so I think I’ll do a bit better.”
The 21-year-old also addressed playing his third tournament of 2024 in Paris following the French Open and the Olympics.
“It is great to be back here in Paris,” Alcaraz said. “I thought honestly a lot about my time in Roland Garros, my time in the Olympic Games.
“I’m just happy to show my level once again in front of the Parisian crowd, hopefully they’re gonna enjoy the game. It is great and it is an extra motivation coming to this tournament.”
Alcaraz revealed winning the Roland Garros title is the Paris memory from this season that he focuses on most.
“Roland Garros, biting the trophy and holding the trophy with all my people,” he added.
“Obviously the Olympic Games was an unbelievable achievement for me getting the silver medal, but I lost the final. So I remember Roland Garros the most.”
READ NEXT: Jannik Sinner withdraws from Paris Masters ahead of 2024 ATP Finals
