Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis legend, was spotted training on the central court of Rod Laver Arena this Friday, where he notably claimed a tiebreak victory against Norway’s Casper Ruud. This display of skill comes just ahead of the Australian Open, where Federer will share the court on Saturday with tennis greats Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt during the tournament’s opening ceremony.
At 44 years of age, Federer is returning to the sport after an extensive rehabilitation process focused on his knee injury. Rather than aiming to revive his competitive career, Federer’s current goal is to regain a sense of normalcy in his daily life while relishing the sport he loves.
His appearance at the ceremony paves the way for the tournament’s main draw, which kicks off on Sunday, January 18. Among the highlights of the first day will be Carlos Alcaraz, competing in the evening session against Australian Adam Walton. This match marks Alcaraz’s official season debut, albeit without his former coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. Samuel López currently continues as Alcaraz’s coach, handling matters solo for the time being.
In a recent discussion about whether Alcaraz could benefit from another coach, Mats Wilander, a former Grand Slam champion and Eurosport commentator, suggested that Federer would be an excellent choice, citing the Spaniard’s style of play as reminiscent of Federer’s own philosophy. Alcaraz himself acknowledged some similarities, particularly in how both players approach not just offense and defense, but also the mindset required on the court.
Federer addressed Wilander’s suggestion candidly, acknowledging Alcaraz’s exceptional talent when he remarked that the young star “could achieve success with or without a coach,” especially concerning his pursuit of the Australian Open and the four major titles. He emphasized his current priorities, stating, “I could offer him advice, but only from the outside, as I am busy with my family and life.”
Despite the allure of coaching, Federer intends to savor his time at home with his wife and four children. He also continues to travel internationally as an ambassador for his sponsors, promoting his foundation, and organizing the Laver Cup. “You can never say never,” he remarked about potential coaching roles, but for now, he clearly has no intention of stepping onto that path.
Federer’s return to the limelight offers hope and inspiration not just for fans but also for athletes who aspire to make a comeback after significant setbacks. His dedication to balancing a new chapter in life while supporting the sport reinforces the belief that passion for the game can endure beyond competitive play.