World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz Is Heartbroken After Roger Federer Announces Retirement. Here’s Why

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz had a heartbreak moment when legendary tennis player Roger Federer announced his retirement Thursday.

Federer took to social media and broke the news that the upcoming Laver Cup will be his final ATP event. Over the last 24 years, Federer has played more than 1,500 matches and has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles. The Swiss legend, who is a part of the “Big Three,” along with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, was the first among the trio to reach the feat of 20 major titles.

Now, Nadal holds the record for most Grand Slams among men with 22 trophies, two more than Federer and one more than Djokovic.

Earlier this month, 19-year-old Alcaraz won the US Open and became the youngest Grand Slam champion since Nadal in 2005. Alcaraz, who rose to No. 1 in the ATP rankings following his triumph in the Flushing Meadows, also became the youngest World No. 1 in the history of ATP.

In a recent interview, Alcaraz expressed his desire to take on Federer, one of his idols, in a Grand Slam.

“I would like to face Federer. And all the Big Three at a grand slam,” Alcaraz said.

Federer’s retirement came just days after Serena Williams played her final competitive game. For all the players who have had a run in professional tennis over the last couple of decades or so, the memory of having faced Federer or Serena will probably remain one of the most cherished moments of their lives.

Unfortunately, the current World No. 1s in ATP and WTA – Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek – will never have the opportunity to play against the two legends.

After Federer announced he was going to retire after Laver Cup, which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 23 in London, Alcaraz tweeted a picture of a broken heart.

The young Alcaraz took some time to react to the news of Federer’s retirement.

“Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration! Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! I still want to play with you! Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next!” tweeted Alcaraz, along with a picture with Federer.

Federer is part of Team Europe at Laver Cup, which also comprises other tennis superstars such as Nadal, Djokovic, Andy Murray, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas.