Carlos Alcaraz shares advice from Roger Federer ahead of US Open final

NEW YORK—At 22 years old, Carlos Alcaraz likely has at least a decade ahead of him to complete what has already been a wildly successful career, the latest achievement coming at the 2025 US Open, where he’ll compete for a sixth Grand Slam title.

To make the championship match he had to outlast 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic who, at 38 years old, still ranks among the best in the world, losing only to Alcaraz and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in his last three Grand Slam appearances.

Asked in his post-match press conference whether he could see himself competing into his late 30s, Alcaraz cited wisdom courtesy of none other than Roger Federer.

“One person once told me that you don't have to think about 35, 38 years old, still playing at that age,” Alcaraz said after defeating Djokovic in straight sets, later revealing the quote came from Federer himself. “He told me, like, you have to be focused on the next five years, from here to when I am 27. And then, when I get 27, then think about five years more.

“So, it's not about thinking in 15 or 20 years,” Alcaraz continued. “It's just about going year by year or just thinking about just five years maximum. We will see. We will see until what age I will try to take care about my body as good as I can. Now just to have a lot of years to come.

Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles—four after the age of 30— before officially retiring in 2022, at 41 years old.

“I think that's the best person that...could tell me that, and I will try to follow his words.”

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In the meantime, Alcaraz continues to serve youth on the Grand Slam stage. By reaching the US Open final, Alcaraz becomes the youngest man since Jim Courier in 1991-1992 to reach three consecutive major finals. He also remains in the running to become the youngest man to capture a Career Grand Slam in 2026—should he win next year’s Australian Open.

Alcaraz will face either Sinner or No. 25 seed Félix Auger-Aliassime in the men’s singles final on Sunday.