"I might give some advice on the periphery": Roger Federer emphatically rules himself out of Alcaraz coaching gig on return to Australian Open

Roger Federer, six-time Australian Open champion, has made a long-awaited return to Melbourne, delighting fans who were quick to chant his name as he arrived.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Federer shared his excitement at reconnecting with the city, the tournament, and the fans who have followed his career.

“It’s nice to be back, I only landed yesterday, so I haven’t really come in touch with any fans yet, this is the first moment to see fans again, and right away, they’re into it, it feels great,” Federer said.

He admitted that returning to Melbourne brought a mix of nostalgia and curiosity, “I didn’t have a farewell or anything when I retired three years ago, and my last game here was six years ago, so I wasn’t sure how much had changed, or if they still remembered me, clearly, a few still do, that’s a good thing, they're still chanting ‘Let’s go, Roger!’”

This year, Federer brought his family along to enjoy the experience with him. “For me, it’s more about nostalgia, the girls have a lot of memories from Melbourne, and actually from Perth and Brisbane too, when we played all the tournaments there, the Hopman Cup in Perth, Brisbane, and then here. I wanted them to come and refresh those memories, show them the Rod Laver Arena, show them around the city, and just let them feel the fabric of tennis again,” he explained.

Federer’s parents also joined the trip, making it a true family experience, “I said, ‘Well, if the kids are coming, you also have to join,’ my dad was like, ‘Oh my God, no, Australia,’ I said, ‘Yes, we’re doing it,’ so we’re here and having a great time.”

On the court, Federer will share the spotlight with legends who shaped different stages of his career: Pat Rafter, Andre Agassi, and Lleyton Hewitt. Federer expressed deep admiration for each of them. “Pat was always one of my favorite people in the world, on and off the court, he was super welcoming to the new generation of players, and I loved his attacking style, he had an aura, I just loved everything about him,” he said.

Reflecting on his rivalry and friendship with Lleyton Hewitt, Federer added, “Lleyton was my age, so he was obviously a huge rival but also a friend, we first played against each other in Switzerland at the World Youth Cup when we were 14, we shared best friend coaches, Darren Cahill and Peter Carter, so our roots go way back. We were supposed to play the Australian Open juniors doubles together in 1998, but Lleyton won Adelaide the week before and got a wild card into the main draw, so I had to scramble for a doubles partner, so I go way back with him.”

Federer also reflected on the sheer privilege of having played against Andre Agassi multiple times, “I was very happy to play for a longer time than Sampras did, which is why I only played Pete once but Andre ten times, every match against Andre was an incredible moment for me.”

Looking ahead, Federer was asked about coaching potential for rising stars, specifically in response to Eurosport colleague Mats Wilander suggesting he could mentor a top player including Carlos Alcaraz who he said could win a Grand Slam without one.

“I’m definitely out, I might give some advice on the periphery, but everyone knows I’m too busy with my children and my life at the minute,” Federer said. “I think you can get it with a coach or without one, he’s that good, a good coach will definitely help, I don’t know if he’s already had to deal with press about his Ferrero situation, which might be a little uncomfortable, but finding the right person in his corner is very important. To hit the career Grand Slam at such a young age is incredible, let’s see if he can do it. Jannik Sinner is also a big favorite, and I believe Novak will have a good shot too, I’m very excited to see what happens.”

Finally, Federer was asked about betting, a topic he laughed off immediately. “Not at all, zero, I never liked it and have never really done it in any shape or form, but if I had to pick, I’d say one of the three guys on the men’s side, and on the women’s side, maybe Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, or Belinda Bencic, if she comes through and wins her first major, that would be beautiful.”