Alcaraz Admires Federer’s Elegant Golf Swing in Melbourne
Amid the Australian Open’s high stakes, Carlos Alcaraz shares a lighthearted golf rivalry with Roger Federer, praising the Swiss legend’s style while advancing flawlessly on court.
In Melbourne’s relentless summer glare, where the Australian Open demands every ounce of focus, Carlos Alcaraz stepped away from the baseline for a different kind of competition. The 22-year-old Spaniard, fresh from a straight-sets dispatch of Yannick Hanfmann, joined Roger Federer on the golf course—a matchup their tennis careers never allowed. This off-court encounter revealed Alcaraz’s wide-eyed respect for the 44-year-old Swiss’s seamless transition to the links, blending envy with the easy camaraderie of shared greatness.
Alcaraz’s victory over Hanfmann came in 7–6(4), 6–3, 6–2, a match that tested his adaptability on the fast hard courts. He navigated a tense opening tiebreak with deep returns and crosscourt forehands, then imposed his rhythm through the later sets. The win propelled him into the third round without dropping a set, his heavy topspin keeping rallies short and decisive.
“it’s as beautiful as the tennis!” Alcaraz said. “I’m not surprised. it’s unbelievable. Everything he does, he does in style, really beautiful. On the golf course, it’s a really beautiful swing.”
Federer‘s swift rise on the links
Federer, who picked up golf just two years after retiring, has already outpaced Alcaraz despite the younger player’s five years of casual play amid his pro schedule. Their ATP No. 1 Club bond turned the outing into a playful rivalry, with Alcaraz admitting the defeat smarted. He marveled at Federer’s precision, a carryover from the fluid backhands that secured 20 Grand Slam titles.
“I think he’s been playing for two years now, and his level is really, really good for two years,” Alcaraz said. “I’ve been playing five and he’s already beating me! It hurts, yeah.” This light loss offered a mental breather, contrasting the isolation of chasing majors at the top of the PIF ATP Rankings.
Court dominance echoes off-court grace
Back in Rod Laver Arena, Alcaraz’s 78-minute opener against Hanfmann showcased tactical poise on the plexicushion surface. Hanfmann’s flat groundstrokes forced early adjustments, but Alcaraz countered with inside-out redirects and a one–two pattern of serve and forehand winner. By the third set, his athleticism overwhelmed, turning potential vulnerabilities into commanding points.
At 22, Alcaraz stands on the brink of a Career Grand Slam this fortnight, five years younger than Federer was when he claimed Roland Garros in 2009. Federer’s six Australian Open triumphs cast a long shadow, yet Alcaraz’s flawless run hints at closing the gap through relentless evolution. These Melbourne moments, from golf swings to baseline battles, fuel his drive, transforming admiration into a sharper edge for the rounds ahead.
