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Carlos Alcaraz continues to mesmerize tennis fans with every match, and now a respected voice in the tennis world has made a striking comparison — likening the 21-year-old Spaniard to none other than Roger Federer. Following his four-set victory over American Ben Shelton at Roland Garros 2025, Alcaraz booked his spot in the quarter-finals and reignited discussions about his place among the sport’s future legends.
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A performance worthy of the greats
Alcaraz’s win over Shelton was more than just another advancement in the tournament — it was a masterclass in modern clay-court tennis. While the scoreboard read 6-3, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, the Spaniard's control over the match flow and his dynamic shot-making left a lasting impression on fans and pundits alike.
Next, he faces Tommy Paul, the American who handed him a painful defeat at Wimbledon last year. But Carlos Alcaraz looks different this time — sharper, more composed, and hungrier than ever. His aura on the court seems to be growing with every match.
Expert’s high praise: “He’s Like Federer”
Tennis expert Mark Petchey, currently juggling his coaching duties with Emma Raducanu and his role as a pundit for TNT Sports, weighed in after watching Alcaraz’s victory over Shelton. Petchey offered an observation that turned heads across the tennis world.
“The thing about Carlos, whenever you watch him and whenever you see him on an order of play, I don’t care even if it is a complete one-sided affair where he is dominating. He is able to carry a tennis match in the same way that Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray at times can carry tennis matches," said Petchey.
“You can take away something from that, even if it’s a 1 and 2 or it’s a four setter today, you are going to go back and think I want to go back and watch this guy play tennis. He does things on a tennis court that very, very few players can do.”
Petchey’s words elevate Carlos Alcaraz into a rare echelon — not just a future Grand Slam winner, but a performer, an artist, a game-changer.
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The Roger Federer parallel
Comparisons to Federer are not handed out lightly. What sets Federer apart, aside from the 20 Grand Slam titles, was his effortless style, elegance, and the unique way he made even one-sided matches compelling to watch. Alcaraz, Petchey argues, possesses that same magnetism.
With each forehand winner and agile drop shot, Alcaraz seems to be etching his own legend — one that bears the signature of a champion inspired by the greats but determined to forge a unique legacy.
The road ahead for Carlos Alcaraz
The upcoming quarter-final clash with Paul is more than just a match — it’s a chance for Carlos Alcaraz to avenge past losses and prove that the comparison to Federer isn’t just about style, but about grit, results, and long-term greatness.
Whether or not he lifts the Coupe des Mousquetaires this year, one thing is certain: Alcaraz is not just part of the future of tennis — he is its most captivating present.
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