Those who were alive in 2005 to watch Roger Federer in action will never get tired of talking about it. That year, the Swiss legend went 81-4 and captured 11 titles, including the U.S. Open and Wimbledon.
In 2024, Carlos Alcaraz has maintained a record of 43-9 thus far with two major titles, much like Federer in 2005. While the Spaniard’s winning percentage pales in comparison, the 21-year-old is playing at a level that has drawn comparisons to Federer, especially for his nearly unstoppable forehand.
During the Laver Cup, members of Team World referred to Alcaraz as “Fed 05” as a nod to Federer’s exploits 19 years ago. After Alcaraz beat Taylor Fritz to help Team Europe clinch the trophy on Sunday, he was asked about his new moniker as Federer watched from the stands at Uber Arena in Berlin.
“I’m too far from that level,” a humble Alcaraz said, via EuroSport. “I’m too far. Hopefully, I reach it one day, but it’s going to be impossible. They have to change my name because ‘Fed 05’ is going to be forever for him.”
As Alcaraz uttered those words, the cameras caught Federer smiling from the stands.
While Alcaraz may not be willing to admit he’s en route to Federer-esque feats, his teammates disagree. During Team Europe’s news conference, Germany’s Alexander Zverev said Alcaraz was already “a legend” in the sport whom he was honored to share the court with as teammates.
In 2005, Roger Federer was a force of nature. The Swiss maestro finished that year with an astounding record of 81 wins and only 4 losses, capturing 11 titles, including two major victories at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Those who were fortunate enough to witness Federer’s magic during this period will never forget the sheer dominance he displayed, and for many, it was the pinnacle of his career.
Fast forward to 2024, and a new star is rising in the world of tennis: Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz. While Alcaraz’s record of 43-9 so far this year doesn’t quite match Federer’s near-perfect 2005, his two major titles have cemented him as one of the brightest young talents on the tour. At just 21 years old, Alcaraz’s level of play has drawn inevitable comparisons to Federer, particularly for his fierce, unstoppable forehand, reminiscent of Federer’s fluid shot-making during his peak years.
During the 2024 Laver Cup, where Alcaraz competed as part of Team Europe, his teammates started calling him “Fed 05” – a nod to Federer’s legendary performance 19 years earlier. The moniker was both a compliment and an acknowledgment of Alcaraz’s rise to stardom, though the young Spaniard himself remains modest. After defeating Taylor Fritz in a crucial match that helped Team Europe secure the Laver Cup trophy, Alcaraz was asked about his new nickname.
“I’m too far from that level,” Alcaraz said humbly, in an interview with EuroSport. “I’m too far. Hopefully, I reach it one day, but it’s going to be impossible. They have to change my name because ‘Fed 05’ is going to be forever for him.”
As Alcaraz downplayed the comparisons, cameras panned to Federer, who was watching from the stands at Uber Arena in Berlin. A knowing smile crossed Federer’s face, perhaps signaling his approval of the young star’s rise.
Alcaraz’s reluctance to accept the “Fed 05” nickname speaks to his grounded mentality, but it’s clear that his teammates—and the tennis world at large—see the parallels. Germany’s Alexander Zverev, a teammate of Alcaraz at the Laver Cup, praised the young Spaniard during a news conference, calling him “already a legend” and expressing his gratitude for sharing the court with him.
“He’s only 21, but the things he’s doing out there are incredible,” Zverev said. “We all know what Federer achieved, but Carlos has so much ahead of him, and I think we’re seeing something special.”
It’s not just Alcaraz’s impressive shot-making that evokes memories of Federer; it’s his overall demeanor on court. Much like Federer during his prime, Alcaraz combines power, finesse, and an unshakable calm. His forehand, in particular, is drawing constant comparisons to Federer’s, with analysts frequently marveling at its speed and precision.
Yet, despite the constant talk of Federer, Alcaraz is carving out his own identity. His aggressive baseline play, combined with an improved net game, shows he’s more than just a Federer clone. Alcaraz has developed a unique style that blends the finesse of past legends with the physicality and intensity of the modern game.
For any young player, comparisons to Roger Federer can feel both like a blessing and a curse. Federer is widely regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, tennis player of all time. His records, elegance, and longevity make him an almost unreachable standard for anyone who comes after him. The “Fed 05” nickname, while flattering, puts Alcaraz in the unenviable position of being measured against the peak of Federer’s powers.
But Alcaraz is taking it all in stride. He’s aware of the legacy Federer left behind, and instead of trying to match it, he’s focusing on writing his own story. In the interview with EuroSport, Alcaraz made it clear that he doesn’t intend to chase Federer’s shadow, but to play his own game and reach his own goals.
“Federer is Federer,” Alcaraz said. “What he did, nobody can do again. But I’m working hard every day to be the best version of myself.”
Alcaraz’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. In just a few years, he’s gone from being a promising junior to a multiple Grand Slam champion and a leading contender at every major tournament. His explosive style of play, combined with his mental fortitude, has allowed him to rise quickly through the ranks.
His two major titles in 2024—along with his consistent performance across the ATP Tour—are proof that Alcaraz is here to stay. And while the comparisons to Federer may persist, many believe Alcaraz has the potential to build his own unique legacy.
Some analysts argue that Alcaraz, with his blend of power and precision, is better suited for the modern game than Federer ever was. The increased physicality and athleticism required in today’s era may favor a player like Alcaraz, who can combine brute force with technical brilliance.
If he continues at this pace, Alcaraz could very well challenge the dominance that Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have enjoyed for the better part of two decades.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this budding narrative is the mutual respect between Alcaraz and Federer. While Federer’s smile from the stands may have suggested his approval of the “Fed 05” nickname, he has also spoken highly of Alcaraz on numerous occasions. In interviews, Federer has praised the young Spaniard’s talent and composure, predicting a bright future for him.
Alcaraz, for his part, has been open about his admiration for Federer, frequently citing the Swiss legend as one of his inspirations growing up. But as Alcaraz steps out of Federer’s shadow, it’s clear that he is ready to be recognized as a unique force in his own right.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2024 and beyond, one thing is certain: Carlos Alcaraz is poised to continue his remarkable journey. Whether or not he reaches the heights of Federer’s 2005 season, his name will undoubtedly be etched in tennis history.