Quote of the Day: "Jealous" Carlos Alcaraz wants Roger Federer to come see him play

Manifest a wish and its odds of happening go up, some believe.

On Tuesday, Carlos Alcaraz began his Wimbledon title quest with a 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Jeremy Chardy. The top seed sent the Frenchman into retirement on No.1 Court, but it was a recently-retired superstar that was on Alcaraz’s brain after he came off with a win in hand.

Eight-time men’s champion Roger Federer was across some way on Centre Court, enjoying his first trip to the Royal Box as a spectator. The 42-year-old was recognized by the tournament for his contributions, receiving an extended ovation as parents Lynette and Robert, wife Mirka and Catherine, Princess of Wales clapped along.

Per tradition, defending women’s champion Elena Rybakina opened Tuesday’s action, eventually rallying past Shelby Rogers in three sets. Two-time men’s winner Andy Murray, who lost in the 2012 final to Federer, then proceeded to dismiss compatriot Ryan Peniston before Aryna Sabalenka dispatched Panna Udvardy.

Green was Alcaraz’s color of the day and it’s not because he stepped foot on an immaculate grass court. Admittedly “jealous” of his peers who had Federer watching on from a front row seat, the 20-year-old declared his desire to have the Swiss attend again.

Q. Roger Federer was on Centre Court. Have you had a chance to catch up with him? Would you want him to watch one of your matches?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: Yeah, I mean, after the match I was with the phone checking everything I have, all the stories, all the posts. I saw that Roger Federer was here. I was a little bit jealous (smiling). Honestly, I want Roger Federer to watch one of my matches obviously. I wish to talk a little bit with him. For me, would be amazing.

Closed Alcaraz, “I hope to see him around more than once.”

As for Rybakina, she’d spoken in the past about her adoration for the 20-time major champion. There was no denying that his presence impacted her mindset early on.

“Maybe that's why I was nervous because actually I really like Roger. When I was younger, I was always watching him play,” the world No. 3 said. “The year after to be again on this court with the same crowd, it was really special.”

Always one to bring a dry sense of humor, Murray reminisced about seeing Federer in the audience 11 years earlier. The stakes were slightly different then.

“Last time I was on this court and he was watching was during the Olympics. He sat in Stan Wawrinka's box and was supporting against me,” the 36-year-old said. “So it was nice to see a couple of claps today after some good shots.”

Asked if he approved of Murray’s performance, Federer was quick to respond with a thumbs up as the home favorite’s grin widened upon seeing.