Roger Federer makes Rory McIlroy comparison in message to Carlos Alcaraz
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver CupJames ShearmanThu, January 15, 2026 at 6:10 PM UTC·2 min read
Roger Federer has shared his thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the Spaniard’s latest Grand Slam challenge at the Australian Open.
The 22-year-old continues to chase a milestone that only a select few players in tennis history have achieved.
Federer spoke about the scale of that goal, drawing a comparison to Rory McIlroy’s recent triumph in golf.
His comments reflected both admiration and belief in Alcaraz’s potential to join sport’s elite.
Federer believes Alcaraz’s shot at completing the career Grand Slam would be one of the defining achievements of his young career.
“It’s like Rory going for the Masters. Those things are tough. At his young age, to be able to complete the career Grand Slam already would be crazy,” he said.
Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images
“Let’s see if he’s able to do ‘crazy’ this week. I hope he does because for the game that would be an unbelievable and special moment.”
With Wimbledon, French Open and US Open titles already to his name, Alcaraz is now targeting the one trophy that would complete his own set.
Federer’s message captured both respect and excitement for what could be a career-defining moment in Melbourne.
Roger Federer’s comparison carried extra weight given Rory McIlroy’s recent success.
The Northern Irishman finally completed his own career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters, bringing an end to a wait that lasted more than a decade.
His victory at Augusta placed him among golf’s all-time greats – the same level as Alcaraz could soon reach in tennis.
While McIlroy’s journey showed how long such milestones can take, Alcaraz has time firmly on his side.
The Spaniard’s explosive style and all-surface adaptability suggest he could complete his set far sooner than most.
If he achieves it, the 22-year-old would stand alongside Federer and McIlroy as one of sport’s few athletes to complete the ultimate collection.
READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz opens up on key part of his game he has worked on heavily before Melbourne
