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<\/p>\nFederer stressed that keeping up to speed with the Spaniard is dependent on the type of surface, and the need to not take any shot for granted.<\/p>\n
“I mean, obviously it\u2019s surface-based,” Federer told Athlon Sports.<\/p>\n
“Not every surface allows you just to power through. Maybe against Alcaraz, sometimes you have to outmanoeuvre him, which is obviously super difficult.<\/p>\n
“What I did see is just what he\u2019s able to cover, and with the speed that he has, you have to go in with a mindset that you need to win the point twice.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Best bits: Alcaraz wows New York to beat Sinner and claim second US Open title<\/p>\n
Video credit: TNT Sports<\/p>\n
When addressing Alcaraz\u2019s athleticism on the court in more detail, Federer added: “That can really throw some question marks.<\/p>\n
“Even if you\u2019re hitting an easy forehand that\u2019s normally a winner.<\/p>\n
“Now, you don\u2019t know if it\u2019s going to be a winner or if you\u2019ll need an overhead smash. So, you always have an extra chance to miss a ball.”<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old has shown a few chinks in his armour though, losing to Taylor Fritz at the Laver Cup, giving hope to the rest of the ATP Tour.<\/p>\n
Fritz\u2019s victory proved vital in securing a 15-9 win for Team World, as he defeated Alcaraz 6-3 6-2 in a fine display by the American.<\/p>\n
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Fritz stuns world No. 1 Alcaraz in Laver Cup<\/p>\n
Video credit: SNTV<\/p>\n
Federer reviewed that match in more detail, praising Fritz for brilliantly utilising the fast indoor court conditions in San Francisco.<\/p>\n
“I would obviously play very aggressive against him on an indoor court like this, like Taylor did – keep coming at him, make him feel uncomfortable, mix it up, come in some,” he explained.<\/p>\n
“I thought that Taylor did an amazing job, serving clutch when he had to, and then just being really solid when he did.<\/p>\n
“And also, in defence, you have to show the whole arsenal against Carlos, because he will stress that out and figure it out normally.”<\/p>\n
That result was the only blemish in what has been an incredible run of form from Alcaraz in recent months, with that his only defeat in 18 previous matches.<\/p>\n
That victory means Alcaraz equalled his career-high season win record with 65, as he prepares to face Casper Ruud in the last four.<\/p>\n
This will be Alcaraz’s ninth successive semi-final on the tour, and believes this is the finest spell of form in his career.<\/p>\n
He said: “Probably [it\u2019s the best period of my career]. I\u2019m just feeling great on court, every time I step on the court.<\/p>\n
“I just think I can do everything. I\u2019m approaching the end of the season with a lot of confidence and these kinds of matches, this kind of level, helps a lot to keep the confidence high. <\/p>\n
“I\u2019m just trying to set up goals before matches, before tournaments, and trying to follow those goals. I think that helps me a lot to play great tennis and maintain the focus during the match.”<\/p>\n