Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz: Roger Federer has no doubts
Jannik Sinner is finally recovering from his knee injury and will soon return to the tour. Over the past few months, the South Tyrolean’s absence has been keenly felt, but there is finally light at the end of the tunnel: his return is expected to take place between Vienna and Paris (two tournaments he won a year ago). Awaiting him there will be Carlos Alcaraz, the Italian’s main rival.
The two young stars have faced each other 17 times, with the player from Murcia leading 10–7 over the South Tyrolean, but for Roger Federer, there’s no doubt: “With his victories this year, Sinner has proven he’s the best right now. He played exceptionally well right up until his injury,” the Swiss legend told *La Gazzetta dello Sport*.
“Watching Alcaraz play is simply a pleasure. That kid is a genius on the court; it’s incredible how many different shots he can produce,” continued King Roger. “The problem is that sometimes he has too many options and can end up getting a little lost in all of them. I hope that these days in London give him and everyone else the boost they need for the rest of the season,”
Federer is the host of the Laver Cup: “In tennis, we don’t have many team events. Here, Alcaraz can be on the same team as Zverev, Jódar, and Mensik, and they can spend a week with Yannick Noah. On the other side is Agassi. They’re both inspiring figures. At the same time, the older generation can understand how the younger players think. I like this exchange.”
Regarding the most promising young players, the eight-time Wimbledon champion remarked: “I’d never seen Jódar or Learner Tien play live before, and they really impressed me. Maybe they fly a bit under the radar for those who only watch Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic—and I get that. But they’re very strong and have the potential to make their mark. Here they can experience an atmosphere similar to that of a Grand Slam tournament, with captains, the pressure, and teammates watching them. I hope it helps them.”
