Federer's "Five-Year Plan" advice is guiding Alcaraz as he aims for his second US Open title.

On September 6, 2025, 22-year-old Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz defeated 38-year-old legend Novak Djokovic in the US Open semifinals, advancing powerfully to the final and just one step away from his second US Open championship. After the match, he revealed a key career plan inspired by another tennis legend, Roger Federer’s “Five-Year Plan” advice, which has become an important guide for his steady progress.

When discussing the length of his career, Alcaraz shared Federer’s core advice: “There’s no need to think about playing at 35 or 38 years old; focus on the next five years—from now until 27; then at 27, plan the next five years.” He frankly stated that rather than distant goals 15 or 20 years ahead, it’s more practical to concentrate on doing well each year and planning only within a five-year horizon. “I will do my best to take care of my body and see how long I can keep playing.”

In Alcaraz’s view, Federer is the most qualified person to give this advice. As a legend who won five consecutive US Open titles from 2004 to 2008, Federer remained competitive late into his career, reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals at 39; meanwhile, Djokovic also maintains peak form at an advanced age, reaching the semifinals of all four Grand Slams this season. Their enduring performances make Federer’s advice even more credible.

This victory over Djokovic marked Alcaraz’s first win against this rival on hard courts. He admitted the match was not easy: “Facing a legend like him, it’s hard not to think about his achievements, which made the match more challenging. But winning this match and reaching the US Open final again makes me very happy.” Although he didn’t feel overly nervous that day, the opponent’s legendary status still added some pressure—after all, Djokovic had beaten him twice this year at the Australian Open and last year at the Paris Olympic gold medal match.

Alcaraz expressed great respect for Djokovic’s performance this season: “At 38, he still maintains the physical condition of a 25-year-old, reaches the semifinals of every Grand Slam, and continues to challenge our new generation of players. It’s truly amazing.”

Now, Alcaraz is just one win away from replicating the glory he achieved three years ago—when, at 19, he won the US Open and became the youngest ATP world No. 1 in history. His final opponent this year will be decided between Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime, and he is fully prepared: “No matter who it is, I will review past matches, analyze strengths and weaknesses, and face the final in the best possible condition.”

From a dazzling talent at 19 to a composed and mature player at 22, Federer’s “Five-Year Plan” advice is helping Alcaraz avoid the trap of “aiming too high too soon” and steadily climb toward more tennis peaks step by step.

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