Federer, on Alcaraz’s options at the US Open: “If it has only been a week, I think it will be very complicated. If it has been a month, I give him many options”
He US Open 2026 It appears more open than ever. The loss of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s lack of competitive rhythm After more than four months out due to injury, the tournament starts on Sunday without a favorite as clear as other years.
Precisely Roger Federer spoke about Alcaraz’s optionsone of the great protagonists of these previous days for the exhibition he played against Andy Roddick before entering the Tennis Hall of Fame this Saturday.
“Depends. We don’t know how much he’s been training. Have you been able to train to the maximum? How long has it been? A week? A month? I think that makes the difference,” he declared in an interview for the ESPN network.
“If it’s only been a week, I think it will be very complicated. If it’s been a month, I give you every chance of finding your groove soon. “He needs to get through the first three rounds to start picking up the pace,” added the 20-time Grand Slam title champion, who said that “if he has had a month of quality training, or at least more than a week, I think that will really help him feel like he can win the tournament.”
A few days ago, Federer stated that “it’s nice to see Carlos back” and he regretted the injury that the Murcian suffered just before Roland Garros, which he considered the worst possible time to have physical problems due to the proximity on the calendar with Wimbledon.
The Swiss also assured that he would have loved to face Alcaraz. “I think it’s exciting. I never had the opportunity to play against him nor against Sinner. “We only trained a little bit together when they were starting out, so unfortunately I missed that generation a little bit.”
The name of the great sensation of the season on the circuit also appeared in the interview, Rafa Jódar, whom he praised generously.
“I think Jódar’s rise has been incredible. A few months ago I wouldn’t have imagined it and I don’t think anyone would have done it. The way he is managing to maintain his level is incredible“said the five-time US Open champion, who added that he also liked Shelton and Fonseca. “They are great hitters, players who look for important shots and who also have great personalities.”
