The search for Carlos Alcaraz's next coaching chapter continues to spark speculations across the tennis world.
An avalanche of big names is on the table, and Roger Federer's name naturally captures the attention of fans.
Carlos Santos, who worked closely with Alcaraz during his formative years, acknowledged the romance of the idea while firmly grounding the reality. The notion of Federer guiding world no. 1 is undeniably captivating.
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It blends the elegance of one era with explosive brilliance of another, and it would make the tennis world go crazy. Yet, as appealing as the concept may be, practical barriers make it more dream than destination.
Roger retired in September 2022. His post-tennis life has been deliberately structured around family, global travel (he landed in Dubai on Monday) and business ventures within and beyond tennis.
The idea of him accepting the coaching job and settling full-time in Murcia simply does not align with his priorities. The same goes for Alcaraz uprooting his carefullybuilt environment and Spanish sun to spent extended periods in Switzerland.
Still, the connection between the two ultimate champions is far from imaginary. Roger and Carlos have already shared meaningful moments off the court. They trained together in Shanghai last year behind the closed door.
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They also attended the title clash between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner side by side, a scene that quietly symbolized a passing of eras. Their bond deepened this September at the Laver Cup.
Federer and Alcaraz met in Vancouver, spent time on the golf course and enjoyed the gala. Thus, they reinforced mutual respect and genuine admiration.
For now, the Swiss remains an inspiration rather than something else. However, the admiration and influence on Alcaraz's team does not require a clipboard or a coaching badge.
At the moment, Roger remains a source of motivation and not a candidate relocating to Murcia. The story about them working together is beautiful but untouched, living in the imagination of tennis lovers.
The Spaniard continues with his preparation for the Australian Open alongside Samuel Lopez as the leading figure in his team after parting ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero.
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The 22-year-old will try to leave that massive change aside and chase the missing Major titles that would bring him theultimate tennis glory.
"It would be incredible, but I find it hard to imagine Roger living here in Murcia. I would love it, because he is one of my favorite players. I drew a lot of inspiration from him when I was coaching Carlitos.
Technically, he is a fantastic player, but I can not imagine him living in Murcia, nor Carlitos in Switzerland," Carlos Santos said.
