‘I’m definitely out’ - Roger Federer reacts to Carlos Alcaraz coaching speculation ahead of Australian Open

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Roger Federer has made his feelings clear after being linked to a possible coaching role as part of Carlos Alcaraz’s team. The Swiss superstar is in Australia ahead of the opening Grand Slam of the season in Melbourne but confirmed he is not there to catch up with Alcaraz, who is without a coach after parting ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero. The Australian Open is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

'I could give him some advice' - Federer responds to Alcaraz coaching rumours

Video credit: TNT Sports

Roger Federer is not going to be joining company with Carlos Alcaraz, confirming that he is "definitely out" after suggestions that the Swiss tennis great would make a good coach for Alcaraz.

The Spanish world No. 1 parted ways with long-term coach Juan Carlos Ferrero in a shock move in December, and has arrived at the first Grand Slam of the season without a replacement.

The Australian Open begins on Sunday, January 18 and is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Alcaraz is still working with Samuel Lopez while rumours swirl around who he could and should appoint next.

Mats Wilander threw a cat among the pigeons when he named Federer as an ideal coach for the six-time Grand Slam winner, but now the retired star has distanced himself from the prospect.

"I’m out, I’m definitely out. Maybe I could give him some advice on the periphery but everybody knows I’m too busy with my children and my life at the minute," Federer told TNT Sports.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Alcatraz is aiming for a career Grand Slam in Melbourne, having already won the other three majors. Federer completed his own career Slam in 2009, with 10 male players having achieved the feat.

But there have been some doubts raised as to how he will play without a coach in his corner. Tim Henman said that the situation is one of the few question marks for Alcaraz heading into the Australian Open.

"I think he can get [the career Grand Slam] with a coach or without a coach, he is that good obviously," Federer added.

"A good coach definitely will be helping. I don’t know if he has already done press here and talked about his Ferrero situation a little bit, which is obviously going to be a little bit uncomfortable but it’s something you just have to do as a pro.

"But it is definitely going to be very important to him to find the right person in his corner and to be able to get the career Grand Slam at such a young age is incredible to be honest. So let’s see if he can do it.

"[Jannik] Sinner is obviously the other big, big favourite and I believe Novak [Djokovic] will have a good shot as well."

Alcaraz has worked with Ferrero since he was a teenager and it remains to be seen whether he will opt for another Spaniard as his next coach or look further afield.

There have been plenty of blockbuster pairings in tennis over the years, the most recent example being Andy Murray and Djokovic’s partnership last season.

Murray also worked with former Grand Slam champions Amelie Mauresmo and Ivan Lendl during his career, while Djokovic previously collaborated with former Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic.

For now, Alcaraz is cutting a relaxed figure around Melbourne Park as he targets the one major to elude him so far in his career.

All the action from the Australian Open will be available live and on-demand via TNT Sports and its streaming platform, discovery+.

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