However, even with this continued underperformance, he remains a player capable of beating almost everyone on tour.

That is likely why so many stars flocked to Shanghai to watch this particular match.

Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz watch Shanghai Masters final together

Two of the most renowned names pictured up in the stands were actually sat beside one another, as Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz watched on.

The past and the future of the sport, what many would give to briefly listen in to their conversation about tennis.

Boris Becker reacted to seeing Alcaraz and Federer together in typical fashion, echoing that sentiment.

However, it’s interesting to see how these stars have evolved since 2022, when the Swiss maestro made some really interesting comments about the 21-year-old.

Speaking at the 2022 Laver Cup, hosted just after the superstar Spaniard had just won the US Open and his maiden Grand Slam title, Federer had kind words for him.

After all, he admitted that whilst it may seem sad when one generation ends, there is always another group ready and waiting to take their spot.

Alcaraz is the spearhead of just that, and has since gone on to amass another three Major titles.

At the time, Federer admitted: ‘It’s disappointing I was never able to play against him.

‘Of course I watched him closely at the US Open, what he did throughout the year and it’s been fantastic. I always said that there will always be new superstars within the game. He’s one of them. The game is bright.

‘I know sometimes people don’t tend to see that or think that. It was the same thing when Pete [Sampras] and Andre [Agassi] left, they thought ‘Well, what do we have here now?’ Guys who win Slams, there’s never the same winner.

‘They’ve got the same winner for so many years, Rafa, Novak, myself. Murray and Stan. For me, it was nice to see [him win the US Open] because that’s what I always thought.’

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