The world finally witnessed what they have been dreaming for more than eight months: Roger Federer in the hallowed Centre Court. The Swiss Maestro was present during the first round match played between Elena Rybakina and Shelby Rogers. Playing against Federer, or even losing to him, is a dream for anyone who has grown up idolizing him. Although the current generation won’t get the chance to test their skills against the Maestro, playing with him in the audience will be now considered the highest honor. Winning in front of him will be one of the defining moments in life for many young players. Rybakina had her moment, while Carlos Alcaraz can’t help but only wish for one such moment for him.
While talking to the press after he won against Jeremy Chardy, Alcaraz revealed how he felt about the ‘Swiss Maestro’ watching a match which he was not a part of.
Jealousy on center court for Carlos Alcaraz
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The man who defines grace and elegance, synonymous with class and dignity, honored the royal box at the Wimbledon Championships Centre Court as the defending women’s champion, Elena Rybakina, began her campaign. It is impossible for other players to not feel jealous about this match and Alcaraz confirmed it. In the press conference, the world number one opened up about how he felt.
Alcaraz, being an ardent follower of Federer, wished for the Swiss Maestro to be present in one of his matches. He said, ?I saw that Roger Federer was here. I was a little bit jealous. Honestly, I want Roger to watch one of my matches. I hope to talk a bit with him. I hope to see him around more than once.?
Carlos Alcaraz on Roger Federer attending Elena Rybakina’s match at Wimbledon:
“I saw that Roger Federer was here. I was a little bit jealous.😂 Honestly, I want Roger to watch one of my matches. I hope to talk a bit with him. I hope to see him around more than once” pic.twitter.com/9ZLrTNJU0z
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 4, 2023
It is not the first time Alcaraz expressed such a wish. When he was previously compared to ‘The Big 3,’ he revealed how each of them inspired him and expressed a wish concerning Federer, which even the legend shared.
Roger Federer upset over not playing against the ATP World No.1
Alcaraz once expressed his wish to play against his idol, Federer, before he retired, but it never happened. According to Tennis Majors, the Swiss star said, “..it?s disappointing I was never able to play against him. Of course I watched closely what he did at the US Open and throughout the year. It?s been fantastic. I always said there will be always new superstars in the game, and he?s one of them. The game is bright.”
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A twenty time Grand Slam winner feeling confident about a 20-year-old securing the future of tennis is a huge achievement for Alcaraz. Though he did not get his wish fulfilled, he got the much needed validation from ‘The God of Tennis’ himself. The twenty-year-old is considered a hybrid of ‘The Big 3’ as his play draws similarities from all of them.
Rafael Nadal‘s uncle and coach, Toni Nadal, feels that Alcaraz is more similar to Federer than Nadal. Given the US Open champion’s rapid growth in his 20s, he reminded him of a young Federer. The French Open 2023 semi-finalist reached top ranking sooner than Federer did. Though Alcaraz considers ‘King Roger’ as his idol, he is hungry for his own identity and is on his path to attain glory.
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Is he the favorite to lift the Wimbledon title this year? Let us know in the comments.
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