Roger Federer Had No ‘False Modesty’ About His Beautiful Tennis, Says Hall of Fame Journalist

Roger Federer knew that his tennis looked beautiful. Hall of Fame journalist Mary Carillo recalled a conversation she had with the Swiss maestro on her appearance on Andy Roddick‘s Served podcast.

Federer turned pro in 1998, but he did not win his first Grand Slam title before the 2003 Wimbledon. The following season, he missed completing the Calendar Grand Slam after losing in the French Open third round. The same year, Federer reached the top of the rankings.

Then he forged a fierce rivalry with Rafael Nadal, and their dominance later was challenged by Novak Djokovic. One thing that set Federer apart from the rest was his aesthetically pleasing tennis, and Carillo said the 20-time Grand Slam champion showed no false modesty when she asked him about his tennis.

Trying to describe who he is and what he does on a court, you’re at a loss for words. Not just because of how he does it, but because of the emotions it brings out. I asked him, ‘Do you know how beautiful your tennis is?’ He replied, ‘Yes,’ laughing a little. ‘Do you try to make it beautiful?’ and he simply answered, ‘Yes.’

Federer was the first man to reach the 20 Grand Slam title tally (at the 2018 Australian Open). He played his last Major final at the 2019 Wimbledon (lost to Djokovic).

He measured his talent perfectly and what it meant for tennis. No false modesty: if you told him he was too good, he’d say, ‘Yes, I was.’ He wasn’t going to lie.

Mary Carillo added

Federer retired at the 2022 Laver Cup after playing doubles with Nadal. He last made a Grand Slam appearance at the 2021 Wimbledon.

Rick Macci says it’s tough to compare Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer

Novak Djokovic‘s retirement will end the Big 3 era. Following Roger Federer‘s retirement, Rafael Nadal played his career’s final match at the 2024 Davis Cup. Djokovic wants to hang up his racket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

When many wondered who would now take the reins from the Big 3 when they reached the twilight of their careers, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner ensured that men’s tennis is in good hands. They had been winning Majors since the 2024 season until their dominance was ended by Alexander Zverev at the French Open this year.

Serena Williams‘ former coach, Rick Macci, believes that if Federer and Nadal had played, they, Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner would have formed a Big 5 of tennis.

Tough to compare Alcaraz and Sinner to the Fed, Rafa and Joker because the eyeball test show depending on the surface and day would have the final say. But the big three would be using different sticks and strings and their game would have different subtle things. But they all would thrive and we would have the BIG FIVE.

Rick Macci wrote on X

Check out his post here:

Tough to compare Alcaraz and Sinner to the Fed Rafa and Joker because the eyeball test show depending on the surface and day would have the final say. But the big three would be using different sticks and strings and their game would have different subtle things. But they all…

— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) July 23, 2026

Alcaraz, who hasn’t competed since the Barcelona Open, is scheduled to play at the Cincinnati Masters. Sinner and Djokovic were last seen in action at Wimbledon. The Italian ace knocked out the Serb in straight sets in the semifinals and later beat Zverev to defend his title.

Sinner was next scheduled to play the Canadian Open, but he withdrew from it. He is on a 34-match winning streak in Masters 1000s, including wins in Rome, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Madrid. Had Sinner played in Montreal and won it as well as titles in Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Paris, he would have become the first man in history to complete the Golden Masters.

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