Federer: Last year was the first time I thought about how to play against Sinner, feeling a stronger connection with Alcaraz

As a special guest, Federer attended the Australian Open’s first-ever opening ceremony on Saturday. It has been six years since his last official match at Melbourne Park, where he won 6 of his 20 Grand Slam titles. Federer returned to this iconic venue on Thursday and shared his views on the new generation leading the “post-Big Three era.”

Three years after retiring, Federer admitted that watching matches as a fan brings him great joy. However, a recent match involving Sinner briefly brought him back into a player’s mindset. This occurred at last year’s Wimbledon, when Dimitrov had to retire due to injury in the fourth round against the Italian player.

At that time, Dimitrov was clearly in control, leading 6-3, 7-5, and tied 2-2 in the third set before suffering a chest muscle injury that forced him to withdraw. He then missed several months on the tour. This match left a strong impression on Federer because Dimitrov’s style felt very familiar to him. “Last year at Wimbledon, I was sitting courtside watching Grigor (Dimitrov) play against Yannick, and at that moment it was easy for me to imagine how I would play because Grigor’s style is very similar to mine.”

Because Dimitrov’s playing style closely resembles his own, Federer said that while watching that Wimbledon match from the stands, he began to imagine what it would feel like to face Sinner himself. It was a rare moment when he truly put himself back into a competitive mindset. “That was the first time I seriously thought about what it would be like to play against Yannick in a match.”

Federer also mentioned another highly watched Sinner match — the 2024 Shanghai Masters final, where Sinner defeated Djokovic in straight sets. But this time, his feelings were different. “When I saw Yannick face Novak (Djokovic) in Shanghai, I didn’t have that sense of immersion; I was simply appreciating a high-level tennis match because their playing styles are very different from mine.”

However, when it comes to Alcaraz, Federer said the resonance is much stronger. Watching this Spanish rising star makes it easier for him to understand when to attack, when to defend, and how to control the rallies. “When I watch Carlos play, I feel we are similar in many ways: when to use drop shots, when to approach the net, and how to choose between offense and defense, because I think we both prefer to play at our own pace. So, it’s easier for me to put myself in Carlos’ mindset and rhythm.”

This comparison is actually not new. Many have seen Federer’s shadow in Alcaraz, especially in his consistent top-level play and trusting his instincts. Federer’s former coach José Higueras also expressed a similar view, believing both rely more on feel rather than rigid tactics. Federer himself agrees and emphasized again that when watching Alcaraz, he often unconsciously “sees things from his perspective.”

“When I watch Carlos play, it’s easier for me to get into his mindset and rhythm. As for Sinner, there was that one time I thought, ‘Okay, now I roughly understand how I would play against Yannick,’” the 44-year-old Swiss legend added.

With the Australian Open approaching, attention is once again on how Alcaraz and Sinner will handle the pressure in Melbourne. However, before the main draw begins, Federer participated in an exhibition match during the opening ceremony alongside Agassi, Hewitt, and Pat Rafter.

Federer has made it very clear that he has no plans to take on a coaching role anytime soon, not even for his own sons. “I won’t coach my son. If they need me, I’ll be there. I like helping and am willing to assist other kids, but training should be handled by someone else. I see myself more as Leo’s ‘general manager.’”

Because of this, Mats Wilander believes Federer coaching Alcaraz is more of a “perfect pairing on paper” than a realistic prospect. Federer himself has also downplayed speculation from the public and fans.

This year marks the first time the Australian Open has held an opening ceremony, and Federer was undoubtedly one of the focal points. But at least for now, he does not see himself as a coach. “Never say never, but I’m very busy right now and have four kids, so it’s completely out of the question at the moment.”

In any case, on the court, Alcaraz and Sinner have claimed all eight Grand Slam titles over the past two years and aim to continue dominating the highest-level trophies. Alcaraz is chasing the record as the youngest male player to complete a career Grand Slam, while two-time champion Sinner will attempt a rare Australian Open three-peat.

The Australian Open main draw kicked off today at Melbourne Park, and both stars know their first-round opponents. Alcaraz will begin his quest for his first Australian Open title against Adam Walton; meanwhile, two-time champion Sinner will face Gaston in the opening round.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Huohua)