Federer Remembers 2017: A Melbourne Moment, and the Alcaraz-Sinner Storm Ahead
15 January 2026
Federer’s 2017 Milestone Revisited
Roger Federer, the Swiss legend and six-time Australian Open winner, looks ahead to the 2026 edition while recalling his unlikely 2017 title at age 35 after a six‑month layoff. That victory remains among the most special in his storied career, he says, for reasons that still feel surreal.
“I came here with no real expectations,” he told reporters, per ATP coverage. “I might have settled for a run to the quarter‑finals, but my team believed in me—even when I doubted myself.”
He vividly recalls the final against Rafael Nadal as a surreal spectacle: a gripping five‑set duel that featured a pivotal 26‑strike rally and Nadal pushing to a back‑and‑forth fifth set. Federer sealed it with a stunning down‑the‑line forehand, a shot fans still reference as a career highlight.
“Friends keep sending me that point,” Federer laughed. “It’s a beautiful moment—perhaps one of the most meaningful points in my professional life.”
The veteran also discusses the evolving rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, a dynamic drawing comparisons to Federer‑Nadal in its height. They have split the last eight major titles and met in three Grand Slam finals in 2025, including a legendary French Open decider that stretched to a dramatic fifth set.
“The Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry is extraordinary. They play tennis at an unbelievable level. The French Open final last year felt like the sport paused in Paris,” Federer remarked. “Maybe it’s the beginning of a new golden era.”
Jordan into Melbourne Park, he notes, Sinner—currently world No. 2 and defending champion of the previous editions—will face a challenging path as Alcaraz—world No. 1—eyes the calendar Grand Slam in Melbourne. “Carlos knows the enormity of that goal. It would be crazy to attempt, and even crazier to pull off at this stage,” Federer added.
He closed with a practical forecast: “Let’s see if he can do the seemingly impossible this week. It would be a very special moment for our game. But there are more than a hundred players ready to spoil the party.”
Punchline time, because every legend needs a joke: Punchline 1: If Federer still has a joke in him, it’s a killer serve—smash the ball, crack a smile, and watch gravity return the favor. Punchline 2: And if Alcaraz does chase the Grand Slam, the trophies might start charging rent for all the glory they’re about to house.
