Roger Federer recently addressed Novak Djokovic’s comments regarding Carlos Alcaraz, responding to Djokovic’s suggestion that Alcaraz is a mix of the “Big Three” – Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic himself. Federer praised Alcaraz’s remarkable accomplishments, especially his Wimbledon victory over Djokovic in 2023, calling it “incredible” given the immense difficulty of defeating Djokovic at the All England Club.
Federer, while acknowledging some similarities in Alcaraz’s game to his own, Nadal’s, and Djokovic’s, cautioned against making too many comparisons. He emphasized that Alcaraz should be celebrated for his unique style and achievements rather than being directly compared to the legends. Federer noted that Alcaraz has his own strengths, such as his forehand reminiscent of Nadal and a backhand slice similar to his own, but stated that ultimately, “Carlos is Carlos” and should be recognized as an individual talent.
This reflects Federer’s belief that each player should be allowed to stand alone in their accomplishments, without constant comparison, even if they draw inspiration from past champions. He also acknowledged the immense pressure on young stars like Alcaraz to maintain the consistency that the “Big Three” did during their dominance, noting how challenging it is to meet such expectations on a regular basis.