Roger Federer isn’t ruling out a future in coaching - but don’t expect to see him in a player’s box just yet. “Never say never,” Federer said recently when asked about the possibility.
“But right now I’m very busy - I have four kids.” For now, his focus remains firmly on family life, though the door remains cracked open for a potential return to the sport in a new role down the line.
While Federer’s presence in Melbourne is limited to a scheduled practice session later this week, Novak Djokovic is gearing up for another deep run at the Australian Open - and the draw has laid out a potential gauntlet. He opens against Spain’s Pedro Martinez in the first round, with a second-round matchup against Atmane.
From there, things could get interesting. Brandon Nakashima or Botic van de Zandschulp loom in Round 3, followed by a possible Round of 16 clash with rising Czech teenager Jakub Mensik or big-serving Hubert Hurkacz.
If Djokovic reaches the quarterfinals, he could see either Lorenzo Musetti or Taylor Fritz. The semifinals might bring a showdown with Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton, and if all goes to plan, a blockbuster final against either Carlos Alcaraz or Alexander Zverev could await.
Speaking of Alcaraz, Federer recently shared some high praise for the young Spaniard - and even saw a bit of himself in the 20-year-old phenom. “When I watch Carlos, I feel similarities with myself,” Federer said.
“The way he uses drop shots, comes to the net, how he alternates between defense and attack. We both like to play our own way.
I feel connected to his mentality.” It’s a fascinating insight from one legend about a player many believe could carry the torch for the next generation.
Venus Williams, meanwhile, is set to make her 22nd career appearance at the Australian Open, opening against Serbia’s Olga Danilovic. At 43, Venus remains one of the most enduring figures in tennis - and she’s still a fan of greatness when she sees it.
“I am a big Novak Djokovic fan,” she said. “I would love to see him win his 25th Slam.
It would be huge. And we can’t lose him.
We need him to play for a few more years.” It’s a sentiment echoed by many in the sport, as Djokovic continues to chase history.
In other tournament news, Elias Ymer is back in the Australian Open main draw for the first time in five years after defeating Coleman Wong. It’s a well-earned return for the Swedish player, who’s battled through the qualifying rounds to earn his spot.
One of the more exciting stories on the men’s side comes from 18-year-old Rei Sakamoto, who punched his ticket to his first Grand Slam main draw in dominant fashion. Sakamoto took down Giulio Zeppieri 6-2, 6-2, and also notched straight-set wins over Dan Evans and Colton Smith during qualifying. For a teenager to roll through that kind of competition - and do it with such command - is a serious statement.
On the women’s side, Taylan Preston made headlines by defeating 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu in straight sets to reach the Hobart semifinals. It’s a signature win for Preston and a confidence booster heading into the season’s first major.
Meanwhile, Learner Tien - one of the most promising young Americans on the rise - is drawing attention off the court as well. His girlfriend plays for the Princeton women’s tennis team, a fun tidbit that adds a personal touch to one of the sport’s emerging names.
And finally, a look at consistency across the men’s tour. Jordan Thompson leads the pack with 40 consecutive Grand Slam appearances since the 2016 Australian Open.
He’s followed by Frances Tiafoe (37), Stefanos Tsitsipas (32), Taylor Fritz (31), and Ugo Humbert (29). In a sport where injuries and form can derail even the best, that kind of durability is no small feat.
As the Australian Open gets underway, all eyes are on Melbourne - and with storylines like these, the season’s first Slam is already delivering.