Roger Federer enjoys his time in San Francisco ahead of the eighth edition of the Laver Cup. The 20-time Major champion reflected on one of the defining moments of 2025, the Roland Garros final.
In one of the greatest matches in tennis history, Carlos Alcaraz ousted Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 after five hours and 29 minutes, saving three match points and writing history books.
For the Swiss icon, the Court Philippe-Chatrier encounter went beyond the trophy - it represented a pivotal shift in tennis! Federer believes the clash gave fans the chance to fully embrace the new rivalry.
It also symbolized a transition from the era dominated by himself, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams (Novak Djokovic is still active). Alcaraz and Sinner took tennis to another level with their Parisian clash.
They delivered a spectacle of power and creativity, proving why they stand as the sport's dominant figures. Their ability to produce breathtaking shotmaking for over five hours under pressure reminded Roger of the sport's timeless capacity for renewal.
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The 20-time Major winner observes their rivalry as the natural continuation of tennis' tradition and legacy of generational duels, ensuring that the sport remains vibrant andcaptivating for the new fans.
For Federer, the Roland Garros final confirmed that tennis is in safe hands. The torch has been passed toward the young guns, and the game has found its new pillars in Carlos and Jannik.
The two great rivals stunned tennis world with their performance on a memorable Parisian day. Jannik built a massive advantage and created three match points in the ninth game of the fourth set.
Alcaraz denied them, pulled the break back in the next one and launched an incredible comeback. The encounter went into a deciding match tie break, and Carlos stood strong!
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The 22-year-old fired a forehand down the line winner on a match point to emerge at the top and celebrate the Roland Garros title defense.
"The Roland Garros final was the match the game needed to move on from the post Roger, Rafa, Serena time and truly embrace this rivalry and the incredible shotmaking that Carlos and Jannik have," Roger Federer said.
