Roger Federer reveals when Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner began to 'move on from the Roger, Rafa, Serena era' ahead of 2025 Laver Cup

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the new standard-setters in men's tennis, and 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer admitted their emergence was necessary for the sport after a period of dominance from some luminary names. Alcaraz will represent Team Europe at the Laver Cup - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - and Federer has backed the Spaniard to be the difference-maker.

Roger Federer has pinpointed the match that truly established Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as the dominant forces in tennis.

Federer, who won 20 Grand Slams during his illustrious career, was part of the sport's "Big Four", alongside Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

The quartet dominated tennis for well over a decade, but only Djokovic, 38, is still playing.

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Even the Serbian's powers have waned somewhat, as recent heavy defeats to Alcaraz and Sinner - at Wimbledon and the US Open - highlighted the passing of the torch.

Federer claimed it was June's spectacular French Open final between Alcaraz and Sinner that truly confirmed tennis had entered a new era.

"I think the French Open, for me, was the match the game needed to move on from the post Roger, Rafa and Serena [Williams] time," Federer told CNBC.

"To truly embrace this rivalry and this incredible shot-making that Carlos and Jannik have right now.

"I think Novak is right there as well. He played in all four semis [in Grand Slams] this year in the majors, which is incredible."

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Federer was speaking ahead of the Laver Cup, which begins on Friday - with live coverage on TNT Sports and discovery+.

This year’s Laver Cup will be played in San Francisco as Team World look to wrestle back the trophy from Team Europe, who won in dramatic style in Berlin in 2024.

Federer, one of the founders of the tournament, has backed Team Europe to succeed, noting Alcaraz's imperious form.

"I think Europe is probably the favourite - mainly because of Alcaraz and [Alexander] Zverev on the team," he said.

"Especially Alcaraz - he’s playing tennis on another level, honestly. I always enjoy watching Carlos - he’s a real treat to watch.

"I do think that Europe probably overall has a stronger team, and I think the doubles are not as crucial this time around because I think both teams are about equally strong in the doubles. It's going to come down to the singles.

"I think with Carlos Alcaraz on the team and him already arriving in San Francisco and ready to go, I give Europe the edge here in San Francisco to take it home again." 

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Video credit: TNT Sports

On the Laver Cup's rapid development, Federer added: "The Laver Cup has really evolved in a great way, we are really happy with the success we have had with the event.

"Personally, I feel we have completely exceeded my expectations of when we had the vision of creating the Laver Cup and shining a light on the past generation that has paved the way for us. That has been amazing. 

"It’s phenomenal that here in San Francisco we have almost 19,000 people a session and we sell out five sessions - I didn’t expect that.

"But I am super grateful to John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg who helped out at a time when nobody knew what the Laver Cup was really going to be like. 

"I am happy to see the players are really attracted to it and I hope the fans really love it because that was the idea, to bring a bit of a new concept to tennis, which I think can be quite beneficial for a lot of people."

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How to watch the 2025 Laver Cup

The 2025 Laver Cup in San Francisco takes place from September 19-21, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

The action kicks off at 21:00 UK time on TNT Sports 4 on Friday, September 19.

The second match will follow immediately after, before the action resumes for the second set of matches at 5:00 UK time on Saturday morning.

Coverage of the second day will also start at 21:00 UK time on TNT Sports 3, before coverage of Sunday’s final round of matches gets under way at 20:00 UK time on TNT Sports 4. 

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