Roger Federer backs up his promise to apologise to Carlos Alcaraz in style
Roger Federer revealed prior to the Laver Cup in Germany last month that he was planning to apologise to Carlos Alcaraz and he has certainly backed up those comments in the last few weeks.
Federer revealed he turned down an offer to practice with a young Alcaraz in 2019, but he hinted he would prefer to hit with the youngster’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
“I barely know Carlos Alcaraz so I’m really excited to see him play for the very first time,” said Federer, prior to the Laver Cup, where Alcaraz emerged as Europe’s star man.
“I only practised once with him at Wimbledon when he was still a junior, and then the next day, my coach said, ‘Do you want to warm up with him again?’ and I said, ‘No, it’s okay, I’d rather warm up with his coach, who was my generation, Juan Carlos Ferrero.’ I can apologize to Carlos this week!”
Alcaraz has made no secret of the fact that Federer was one of his idols when he was growing up and he fondly remembers that 2019 warm-up session at Wimbledon.
“I remember Wimbledon training as if it was yesterday. I will never forget it. It was a unique moment,” he stated. “I will never forget the first time I met Federer, I have the photo in my room.”
The world’s media picked up on those comments and Federer clearly enjoyed spending some time with Alcaraz during the Laver Cup weekend, as their new bond was on full display when they met up again in Shanghai.
The duo sat side-by-side as Jannik Sinner played Novak Djokovic in the Shanghai Masters final, with TV cameras regularly panning the duo in conversation.
Alcaraz seemed to be quizzing Federer on how he would react at certain points during what was a compelling final between one of Roger’s greatest rivals and the new world No 1.
It turns out the duo did more than just chat at the Shanghai Final, as they also have a practice session on one of the indoor courts at the venue.
Footage of Federer and Alcaraz exchanging blows has been released by the ATP, with Alcaraz clearly enjoying the chance to hit with the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
Federer has been seen on court on a few occasions in recent weeks, as he staged a racket demonstration for the launch of his new Wilson frame.
He was also seen hitting on the Laver Cup court prior to the star-studded even in Berlin, and opened up on the regular practice he is still enjoying with his children.
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“We have been playing with my new Wilson racket and it has been fun,” said Federer.
“The girls play with the Wilson clash and the boys play with mine, the RF97.
“Hopefully they will try and play with this new racket now.
“I was playing with my old RF97 for the last few months because I can’t be seen anywhere with the new racket until it is out.
“The dream would be that some kid one day picks up this racket and wins a Grand Slam with it.”
Alcaraz is very much part of the Babolat family, so the young Spaniard will not be playing with Federer’s new racket any time soon.
Yet the time he spent on court with the great man in Shanghai may just have a positive impact on what comes next for the 21-year-old as he looks to add to his already impressive collection of four Grand Slam titles.
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