Roger Federer answers whether he would consider coaching Carlos Alcaraz

Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 18:48

byJordan Reynolds

Roger Federer has provided a clear response after a fellow tennis legend said he would be the ideal coach for Carlos Alcaraz.

Since retiring from professional tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup after a memorable doubles match with Rafael Nadal, Federer has not been very active in the sport, aside from appearing at tournaments such as Wimbledon and the Shanghai Masters.

The 20-time Grand Slam men's champion is considered by some to be the most important figure in tennis history because of how his style and level drove the sport to new levels of popularity.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's excellence has dampened fears about the ATP Tour declining because of Federer and Nadal's retirements. They have dominated in the past two years, splitting the eight Grand Slams contested.

For the first time in his professional career, Carlos Alcaraz is starting a season without Juan Carlos Ferrero, his coach and mentor since 2019, after unexpectedly parting ways with the 22-year-old last month.

Seven-time Grand Slam men's singles champion Mats Wilander recently stated that Federer would be the perfect coach for Alcaraz because of his legendary status and how he could help him with certain aspects of his game.

Federer is currently in Melbourne for the 2026 Australian Open. In an interview with TNT Sports, the former world No. 1 put an end to speculation by saying he will not be coaching Alcaraz, but remains open to offering him outside advice.

"I'm out, I'm definitely out. I could give him some advice from the periphery, but everyone knows that I'm too busy with my children and with my life for that."

The eight-time men's Wimbledon champion is an admirer of Alcaraz, whose game is often compared to Federer's. He knows the current ATP world No. 1 will have to handle being asked about Ferrero because of how surprising their split was.

"I think he could get it (Australian Open title) with or without a coach, he's that good. Good coaching will definitely help, though, and I don't know if he's done press here already and talk about the Ferrero situation, which might be a little bit uncomfortable for him."

"That's something you have to do a pro, and it's definitely going to be important for him to find the right person in his corner, and to have a chance for a Career Grand Slam at his age is incredible. Let's see if he can do it."

Roger Federer commented on the women's favorites for the 2026 Australian Open

Understandably, Roger Federer tends to speak more about men's tennis since he was on the ATP Tour for many years. However, he showed his appreciation for WTA players by talking about some of the women's Australian Open favorites in a TNT Sports interview.

Federer listed Coco Gauff, who sparked backlash with her comments about American fans, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek, but he hopes his compatriot, Belinda Bencic, wins her maiden Grand Slam after performing excellently at the United Cup.

"Obviously, Sabalenka has been very strong on hard courts. Then I think Iga and Coco, and then Belinda, on the outside, comes and wins her first Major. That would be beautiful."