Roger Federer Under Fire: Former ATP Star’s Scathing Assessment Reveals Shocking Truth About His Performance

When it comes to tennis legends, few names resonate like Roger Federer. The Swiss Maestro, who once graced the courts with unparalleled elegance, amassed a staggering 20 Grand Slam titles, including eight coveted Wimbledon victories. His career, stretching over two decades, saw him claim a remarkable 103 tour titles, cementing his status as a titan of the sport. Yet, as the curtain fell on his illustrious career at the 2022 Laver Cup—a tournament he co-founded—many fans were left in a state of reflection, contemplating the legacy of a player who transformed the game.

However, this legacy isn’t without its critics. Recently, former ATP player Fernando Meligeni offered a blunt assessment of Federer’s early days, revealing a surprising perspective from a time when the Swiss star was still honing his craft. Meligeni, who carved out a respectable career with three ATP singles titles and a peak ranking of No. 25, recounted a pivotal moment from the early 2000s. He and his partner had the opportunity to practice with a young Federer, but they flatly declined. “We were in Hamburg, and Peter Lundgren, Federer’s coach, offered us to play with him. And we didn’t want to. He wasn’t good, he wasn’t playing very well. And we told him no,” Meligeni stated, a candid reflection on a time when Federer was still searching for his identity on the court.

This revelation sheds light on a crucial period in Federer’s journey, specifically around 2001 and 2002, when he was still struggling to find his footing. Meligeni reminisced about a doubles match at the 2003 Australian Open, where he faced Federer alongside his partner Antony Dupuis. It was during this match that they witnessed a transformation in Federer’s game, as he showcased skills that hinted at the greatness to come. “Yes. And I only played with him once, in doubles against him. I was playing with (Anthony) Dupuis, a Frenchman. And he was playing with (Yves) Allegro,” he recalled. The turning point arrived when they faced Federer, who was starting to emerge as a force to be reckoned with.

In 2001, Federer faced a disappointing loss to Franco Squillari in Hamburg. However, by 2002, he had turned the tide, decisively winning against Marat Safin. This marked a critical evolution in his game. Meligeni noted that early in his career, Federer battled nerves and inconsistency, with even his backhand coming under scrutiny. Yet, the 2003 Australian Open doubles match signaled the beginning of a new era for Federer, as he began to display the skills that would soon dominate the tennis world.

Fast forward to today, and Federer remains a towering figure in the sport, even as new stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner emerge. At the recent 2025 Laver Cup, Federer was spotted engaging with the current elite of tennis, discussing potential match-ups with Alcaraz. Acknowledging the prowess of the young Spaniard, Federer admitted that facing him would not be a walk in the park. “I mean, obviously it’s surface based,” he remarked, highlighting the strategic complexities that come with competing against such a dynamic player.

Alcaraz has been on a remarkable run, securing eight titles this season alone, including a thrilling victory at the Japan Open against Taylor Fritz. His meteoric rise at just 22 years old has already seen him capture 24 career titles and maintain an impressive 272-63 win-loss record. Federer recognizes the unique challenges posed by Alcaraz’s athleticism, which can turn even routine shots into potential errors. “That can really throw some question marks, even if you’re hitting an easy forehand that’s normally a winner,” he explained.

While the tennis world continues to evolve, and the prime Federer may never face today’s generation, his legacy as a dominant force endures. With fans still cherishing his contributions to the sport three years after his retirement, one thing is clear: Roger Federer’s impact on tennis is timeless, and the debates about his greatness will likely continue for years to come.