The world of tennis lived a moment of deep emotion this Sunday, not because of the euphoria of victory, but for humanity that emerged after defeat. Carlos Alcaraz, considered by many as the natural heir of the throne that once occupied legends such as Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, fell into the Wimbledon 2025 final against Jannik Sinner. But what nobody expected was that this fall would mark one of the most sensitive episodes of his career.
Hours after the game, when the press still argued about the tactical and physical reasons of the defeat, a news paralyzed international sports media. Roger Federer, the mythical Swiss tennis player who retired in 2022, had sent a personal message to Alcaraz, accompanied by a gift that caused the young Spaniard to contain the tears.
Sources close to the Alcaraz team confirmed that Federer not only wrote a private message, but also sent an object that keeps an incalculable sentimental value. It was the doll tape that Federer used during his last professional game, carefully framed, along with a handwritten note. The content of the letter was partially shared by the Alcaraz environment.
Carlos, losing is also part of being champion. But the way you get up later is what really defines you. No one treated me like that when I was your age. Therefore, I want you to know that I do see you, I respect you and believe in you more than you imagine
That final phrase deeply marked the young Spanish. According to witnesses present in the locker room, Carlos read the message in silence, and when he reached that line, he murmured in a low voice: no one has ever treated me. Then he covered his face with his hands and remained silent for several minutes.
The relationship between Federer and Alcaraz has been the subject of admiration since the Murcia began to stand out in the professional circuit. Although both never faced each other, Federer always showed a special affection for the young Spanish talent. In previous interviews, he had already defined it as a mixture of mental strength, humility and joy, something that he remembered his first years in the tour.
What few knew is that Federer had closely followed the road to Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2025. According to Swiss media, Roger was in constant contact with Spanish team members throughout the tournament. It is even said that he sent courage messages after each victory in the previous rounds.
But after the hard defeat in the final against Jannik Sinner, Federer felt it was time to step further. His gesture was not a simple courtesy sample, it was a mentor message to a disciple, a hand laid out when it is most needed.
The news of the gesture soon went viral. In a matter of hours, thousands of users shared the story on social networks. Sports legends such as Rafael Nadal, Iker Casillas and Novak Djokovic published messages recognizing the greatness of Federer’s gesture and the emotional value of Alcaraz’s reaction.
The international press described the fact as one of the most human moments of sport in recent years. The Gazzetta dello Sport titled “Federer returns, not with a racket, but with the heart.” Meanwhile, the country wrote “Alcaraz lost a title, but won a legacy.”
During the traditional dinner of the finalists, Alcaraz avoided talking about the subject before the media. However, he was seen with the frame under his arm when he left the club in the early morning. Some journalists present claim that he carried it with more pride than any trophy.
Federer, meanwhile, has not made public statements. But their actions have spoken stronger than any interview. With his letter and his gift, he reminded the world that sport is also about support, respect and transmission of values between generations.
For Carlos Alcaraz, the defeat in Wimbledon will no longer be the memory of a lost party. It will be the day when the idol of his childhood held his hand with his heart. And perhaps, also, the day he marked the real beginning of his maturity as a legend.
