At just 22 years old, Carlos Alcaraz is already carving out a career for the ages — and he’s far from done. The Spanish superstar secured his place in the 2025 US Open final, where he’ll compete for his sixth Grand Slam title, after a commanding straight-sets victory over 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic.
The semifinal clash marked another generational moment in men’s tennis, as the 38-year-old Djokovic — still one of the top contenders in the game — fell only to Alcaraz and current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner across his last three Grand Slam appearances.
After the match, Alcaraz was asked whether he could imagine playing deep into his 30s, much like Djokovic or Roger Federer. His answer came with wisdom from one of the sport’s greatest icons.
“One person once told me that you don’t have to think about 35 or 38 years old,” Alcaraz said. “He told me, like, you have to be focused on the next five years, from here to when I am 27. And then, when I get to 27, think about five more years.”
That person? Roger Federer himself. “It’s not about thinking 15 or 20 years ahead,” Alcaraz continued. “It’s just about going year by year — five years maximum. We’ll see. I’ll try to take care of my body as best I can. For now, I hope to have many more years ahead.”
Federer, who retired in 2022 at the age of 41, famously won four of his 20 Grand Slam titles after turning 30 — proof, perhaps, that longevity is possible, even at the highest levels of the sport.
“I think that’s the best person that…could tell me that, and I will try to follow his words,” Alcaraz said.
In the meantime, Alcaraz continues to dominate in the present. By reaching the US Open final, he becomes the youngest man since Jim Courier (1991–92) to reach three consecutive Grand Slam finals. He also remains on track to become the youngest male player to complete a Career Grand Slam, which he could achieve by winning the Australian Open in 2026.
In Sunday’s championship match, Alcaraz will face either Jannik Sinner or No. 25 seed Félix Auger-Aliassime, with history once again on the line.
