There are moments in tennis when time seems to pause - when the noise fades, the rallies stop, and the spotlight shifts from competition to wisdom. Roger Federer, the man whose racket once danced effortlessly across Centre Court and whose calm brilliance defined an era, created one such moment with a simple yet powerful message to the next generation of players.

Federer no longer walks onto court chasing trophies, but his presence still carries weight. A 20-time Grand Slam champion and a global icon of excellence, the Swiss Maestro understands the journey better than most. He has lived through the dizzying highs of dominance and the humbling lows of defeat, injuries, and reinvention. And it is from that lifetime experience that his advice flows honest, hopeful, and grounded in reality. “My advice for up-and-coming pros is to strive. Shoot for the stars, land on the moon, go for it, work hard, enjoy yourself, but really know it’s going to be a battle & you’re going to sometimes take one or two steps back to get in the process to take two or three steps forward again,” he said in an event with Mercedez-Benz.

It’s a lesson he embodied throughout his career, from rebuilding his game in his thirties to fighting his way back from injuries when many thought his best days were over. For a generation growing up in an era of instant success stories and viral highlights, Federer’s words serve as a grounding force.

He further added, “Don’t worry about those moments. You know they’re going to come, but make sure you make a good team, listen to your coaches, listen to your parents, but also be very strong. You’re your own coach. Because you’ll be there on your own on the court, and you have to take decisions on your own and be relaxed; don’t get too worked up and think you have time… and plan for the long term.”

Roger Federer may have stepped away from professional tennis on 23 September 2022, but his influence remains deeply woven into the sport’s future. Through advice like this, he continues to guide the next wave - not with foreheads and trophies, but with perspective, humility, and the quiet wisdom of someone who has already walked the path they are only beginning to tread.

Previously, during an interview with Bein Sports in March 2021, Federer spoke about how difficult it must be for the next generation because they are always going to be compared to the ‘Big 3’ era. It has been more than three years since he ‌retired from the sport; how does he look at the rise of players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner? Did they manage to live up to the expectations?

Roger Federer shares his thoughts about the rise of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

As the sport transitions into a new era, two names dominate every discussion about the future: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. And when Roger Federer speaks about them, the tennis world listens closely.

But before we get to his comments on the dominance of current superstars in the racket sport, let me tell you his former coach, Stefan Edberg, had already labeled Alcaraz and Sinner as two of the big things in the tennis world at the present time. “It is clear that we already have a new generation, led by Sinner and Alcaraz, who are taking over the baton from Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. They are young, playing at a fascinating level.”

Is tennis really in safe hands post-Big 3 era? Let’s check out Roger Federer’s comment on this. The Swiss was extremely impressed with their top-notch performance in the 5 hours and 29-minute duel at the French Open final this year. Alcaraz won that five-setter. 

According to Federer, “I think the French Open, for me, was the match the game needed to move on from the post-Roger, Rafa, and Serena time. To truly embrace this rivalry and this incredible shotmaking that Carlos and Jannik have right now.”

For Roger Federer, watching Alcaraz and Sinner is like witnessing the next chapter of a story he once helped write. The Swiss legend has consistently expressed admiration for both players, not just for their talent, but for how they carry themselves on and off the court.

Talking about their sheer dominance, especially in the Grand Slams in recent times, during an interview with Tennis Channel, Federer stated, “I think we all knew that they were going to be good, that they were maybe going to be great, most likely, but we didn't expect, I think, this kind of dominance right out of the gates. It's really impressive, I must admit, and it's amazing for the game.”

As tennis moves further into its post-Big 3 era, Roger Federer’s reflections feel like a passing of the torch - not rushed, not forced, but earned. Who do you think can join Alcaraz and Sinner to form the new Big 3? Share your thoughts in the comment box.

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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