Federer’s Advice to Alcaraz: Enjoy the Journey

Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish tennis sensation, has rapidly ascended the ranks of professional tennis, drawing comparisons to legends like Rafael Nadal. With multiple Grand Slam titles and a No. 1 world ranking already under his belt, Alcaraz is considered by many to be a potential all-time great. As he navigates the early stages of what promises to be a remarkable career, Alcaraz has had the opportunity to seek guidance from one of the sport’s most revered figures: Roger Federer.

The Laver Cup Encounter

The two multi-Grand Slam champions hadn’t met since a 16-year-old Alcaraz practiced with Federer at Wimbledon in 2019 while he was still in the junior circuit. Their paths crossed at the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin. Alcaraz was competing in the team event for the first time, while Federer, a co-creator of the tournament, was in attendance. This provided Alcaraz with a valuable opportunity to speak with Federer and glean insights from his illustrious career.

During their conversation, Alcaraz asked Federer a key question about maintaining motivation over a long and demanding career. “I asked him what he did to stay motivated for so many years. Year after year,” Alcaraz revealed.

Federer’s Words of Wisdom

Federer’s response was both simple and profound: “You have to enjoy the journey. You have to find joy in every tournament, no matter where you go. Spending time with friends, going to the movies… Making sure you always have something to do wherever you travel.”

Federer emphasized the importance of balancing life on and off the court. He acknowledged that it can be challenging to manage the demands of a professional tennis career with personal interests and relationships. “Balancing life is tricky, isn’t it? You want to be everywhere, but you can’t. It’s a real challenge to fit all the puzzle pieces together,” Federer said. He suggested that taking breaks and stepping away from the sport can be beneficial for maintaining enthusiasm and preventing burnout. “Sometimes, it’s important to take a break, step away from it all. And when you come back, you’re excited to be in the spotlight again.”

Other Advice from Federer

Beyond the specific advice he shared with Alcaraz, Federer has also offered guidance to young tennis players more broadly throughout his career. Some key themes emerge from his various statements:

• Listen to Your Team: Federer advises young players to “Listen to your coach, listen to your parents, work hard, enjoy it, and don’t get too frustrated if it doesn’t go well.” The importance of listening is to avoid getting stuck in one’s own head and to take build on the advice of coaches and parents.

• Effortless is a Myth: Despite his fluid and seemingly effortless style of play, Federer emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication. He dismisses the notion that his success was solely based on talent, stating that he “got there by trying to outwork my opponents.” He also stresses that “talent has a broad definition” encompassing grit, discipline, patience, self-trust, and the ability to manage one’s life.

• Embrace Adversity: Federer highlights the inevitability of losses and setbacks in tennis and in life. He advises young players to “become a master at overcoming hard moments” and to view losses as opportunities for growth. He also cautions against negative energy, stating that “negative energy is wasted energy.”

• Be Your Own Coach: Federer encourages players to develop self-awareness and trust their instincts. He suggests that players should view themselves as “50% the coach” and remember what they think is right, even amidst guidance from coaches and other support staff.

• Be Aware of Physical Capabilities: After watching Alcaraz at the Laver Cup in Berlin, Federer advised Alcaraz to be careful not to run for every ball because it’s not necessary. He believes Alcaraz will learn that with age and with time.

Alcaraz’s Perspective

Alcaraz has spoken openly about his admiration for Federer and the impact of their interactions. He described their training session in Shanghai as a “masterclass” and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the Swiss legend. “It was an unbelievable experience for me… Having the chance to play with him, it was great. I just enjoyed so much, every shot, watching him playing the shots so easily,” Alcaraz said.

He has also emphasized the value of seeking inspiration from the greats of the game. “I’m lucky to draw inspiration from so many players who have made history in this sport. It would be foolish not to learn from the greatest players of all time,” Alcaraz acknowledged.

A Lasting Impact

The advice Roger Federer shared with Carlos Alcaraz encapsulates the holistic approach that defined his own career. By emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey, balancing life on and off the court, and maintaining a positive mindset, Federer has provided Alcaraz with valuable tools for navigating the challenges and pressures of professional tennis. As Alcaraz continues to evolve as a player and a person, the wisdom imparted by Federer is sure to have a lasting impact on his career and his life.