“The wave is really coming now,” Roger Federer on ‘changing of the guard’ by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Roger Federer reflected on the changing of the guard on the ATP Tour with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's emergence.

“The wave is really coming now,” Roger Federer on ‘changing of the guard’ by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Roger Federer, (in circle) Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz (via Tennis Gazette)

Roger Federer dominated the men’s tour for two decades, winning a plethora of titles, including 20 Grand Slams. He along with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic formed the formidable Big 3 that has dominated the ATP Tour like never before.

Federer retired from the sport two years ago, at the Laver Cup in London. Nadal, on Thursday (October 10), announced that he will hang up his racket after the Davis Cup later this season. Other stalwarts of tennis, like Serena Williams and Andy Murray, have also walked into the sunset over the past two years.

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Federer reflected on all the retirements and said that it was a change of guard in tennis, both men’s and women’s. He also said that the way Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner emerged recently shows that the future of the sport was in good hands.

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You can feel the changing of the guard. Serena Williams and Andy Murray retiring, Rafa getting closer each time. Yes, you feel that everything is changing and Sinner and Alcaraz each winning two Slams, that shows you that the wave is really coming now. Changes are happening and they are consistent, fantastic to see.

Roger Federer said

The Swiss maestro also recalled Alcaraz’s impressive performances at the recent Laver Cup, where he managed to almost single-handedly take Team Europe to victory.

Watching Alcaraz live at the Laver Cup in Berlin was impressive. He is a wonderful player, and I think many people are going to have a lot of fun watching him in the future.

Roger Federer added

Alcaraz secured a 13-11 comeback win for Team Europe, defeating Taylor Fritz 6-2, 7-5 in a crucial singles match to secure the title.

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Roger Federer praises Novak Djokovic on his ‘incredible’ Olympic gold

Novak Djokovic has not had the best of seasons on the ATP tour. Injuries have troubled him and he managed to reach only one final, at Wimbledon, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz. However, he managed to put together a strong run to win the elusive gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

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Novak Djokovic looks to the sky after winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics (via Imago)

Roger Federer accepted that the Serbian was having a tough year but praised him for his Olympic triumph. He said that Djokovic has always wanted to secure that medal in his career.

Novak, obviously, having a tough year overall but then winning the Olympics and claiming what he always wanted to achieve, that difficult-to-reach Olympic gold. That was incredible for him.

Roger Federer opined
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Djokovic beat Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) at Roland Garros to get his hands on the Olympic gold, ending his 16-year wait for it.