Change of guard from Serena Williams, Nadal, Djokovic, Andy Murray & himself to new era with Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner is happening, says Federer

Roger Federer spoke about the old generation phasing out to make way for young champions like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The Swiss maestro, who monopolized tennis alongside his peers like Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in the previous two decades, led to a major transition in 2022 with his retirement.

Williams also retired around the same time as the 20-time Major winner. This year, Murray followed suit as he bid the sport goodbye at the Paris Olympics in July. The worst was yet to come, though; Nadal announced this week that the Davis Cup Finals next month would mark his last pro-tour outing, which has since left fans distraught.

In that regard, Roger Federer gave his thoughts on the recent changing of the guard during his trip to the Shanghai Masters. The Swiss spared a word for Williams, Murray and Nadal, and he also mentioned Novak Djokovic — who hasn't decided on retirement yet but has considerably slowed down at the age of 37.

"You can feel the changing of the guards. Serena Williams retiring, Andy Murray retiring, Rafa getting closer and closer," Roger Federer said during a media interaction in Shanghai. "Novak obviously having a tough year overall, but then winning the Olympics and claiming what he always wanted to do, you know? That elusive Olympic gold, that was incredible for him to do that."

The 43-year-old then gave a nod to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner while inferring that the sport's in safe hands with them.

"So yes, you feel that everything is shifting, and then honestly, I mean Sinner and Alcaraz winning each two Slams, that shows you that the wave is truly coming now," he added. "The changes are happening, and they are consistent, and they're fantastic to see play."

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Roger Federer: "Seeing Carlos Alcaraz live at the Laver Cup in Berlin was very impressive"

Carlos Alcaraz celebrates at Laver Cup 2024

Roger Federer was also glad he caught Carlos Alcaraz in action at this year's Laver Cup. The young Spaniard was instrumental in Team Europe's fifth triumph, as he won three of his four fixtures to nab a 13-11 victory for his team.

"Seeing Alcaraz live at the Laver Cup in Berlin was very impressive," Federer said. "He's a wonderful player, and I think a lot of people are gonna have a lot of fun watching him in the future too."

The Swiss maestro, meanwhile, showed remarkable consistency and longevity during his career, occupying the top ATP rankings from 2002 to 2021. He retired from pro tennis in 2022 due to struggles with his knee.