Roger Federer describes Carlos Alcaraz’s chance to complete a career Grand Slam at the 2026 Australian Open as “crazy” at just 22 years old

Roger Federer has described Carlos Alcaraz’s chance to complete a career Grand Slam at the 2026 Australian Open as “crazy,” praising the Spaniard’s early rise in the sport.

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Alcaraz, the world number one, already boasts six major titles but has yet to lift the trophy at Melbourne Park.

Success on the Australian hard courts would make the 22-year-old the youngest man to seal a career Grand Slam, surpassing fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who completed all four majors by the age of 24.

“At his young age to be able to complete the career Grand Slam already would be crazy,” Federer said at Melbourne Park during the official launch of the tournament.

He will headline a “Battle of the World No.1s” exhibition tomorrow ahead of the tournament.

Federer, a six-time Australian Open champion, compared Alcaraz’s wait for a first Melbourne title to Rory McIlroy’s struggle to claim his first Masters in golf. “It’s like Rory going for the Masters. Those things are tough,” he said.

The top seed, however, has not advanced past the quarter-finals in any of his four previous Australian Open campaigns.

Alcaraz will open his 2026 bid against home hope Adam Walton in the first round.

Federer also spoke highly of rising Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca, 19, praising the youngster’s power and composure.

“What separates him from a lot of the other guys in the draw is just his power forehand, backhand, serve and just what he’s able to bring point by point.

He’s exciting, he’s got good aura, he’s a very likeable character as well.

I like watching him play. The sky’s the limit,” Federer said.

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Should Alcaraz capture the title in Melbourne, it would mark a historic milestone in men’s tennis, confirming him as one of the sport’s most prodigious talents.