As Rafael Nadal’s dominance on the ATP Tour waned due to his injury setbacks, the baton fell in the hands of the young Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz. It all looks like a smooth transition. Alcaraz hasn’t disappointed, winning an astonishing 4 Grand Slam titles while just 21 years old. The Spaniard isn’t stopping just yet and is hungry for more success. As a result, he is high on intensity on the court and his physical capabilities are second to none. Despite having an impressive season, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer, advised caution for Alcaraz.

Federer has traveled to Berlin to witness the action at the Laver Cup this weekend. Carlos Alcaraz will be seen in action there, as he’ll lead Team Europe’s chances in the tournament as they aim to reclaim the title. As the excitement gears up for the tournament, Roger Federer was involved in an interview there where he spoke about the highly-rated Alcaraz. Although Federer was impressed by his commitment to the sport, the Swiss maestro feels that his biggest strength could also become his weakness someday.

Federer revealed, “I think it’s intensity. The power in his shots already, his physical capabilities, that he has, obviously, he’s got to be careful, you know, he doesn’t run basically for every ball because it’s not necessary, but he’ll learn that with age.”

Federer has been a huge fan of Alcaraz and has been full of praise for him on many occasions. However, on this occasion, he had some advice for him, asking him to slow down on some occasions. With both Federer and Alcaraz at the Laver Cup, it will be the first time that the Swiss maestro will be watching Alcaraz play live. Amid this, Alcaraz lifted the lid on his first meeting with Federer.

Carlos Alcaraz brings back the unforgettable memories from his first meeting with Roger Federer

Five years ago, a teenage Carlos Alcaraz found himself in a surreal moment—being invited to hit with none other than Roger Federer at Wimbledon. It was a dream scenario for the young Spaniard, who was still cutting his teeth in the junior circuit, while Federer, the Swiss maestro, was nearing the twilight of his legendary career. Thanks to his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who shared a good rapport with Federer, this unforgettable practice session was set up.

For Alcaraz, that day is etched in his memory. “I remember Wimbledon training as if it were yesterday,” Alcaraz recalled. “I will never forget the first time I met Federer. I have the photo in my room. It was a unique moment.”

But, as it turns out, Federer had other plans during that session. Instead of continuing to train with the future tennis sensation, he chose to hit with Ferrero, his own generational peer. Looking back, Federer even joked about it, ready to offer an apology. “I barely knew Carlos Alcaraz, so I’m really excited to see him play for the first time. I only practiced once with him at Wimbledon when he was still a junior. And the next day, my coach asked, ‘Do you want to warm up with him again?’ I said, ‘No, it’s okay, I’d rather warm up with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.’ I can apologize to Carlos this week.”

Fast forward to today, Alcaraz is no longer the unknown junior. Now leading Team Europe’s charge alongside heavyweights like Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Casper Ruud, Alcaraz has a chance to prove why he’s one of the brightest stars in the sport. Will he help reclaim the title for Team Europe? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!