Roger Federer Talks Potential Serena Williams Return, Carlos Alcaraz's Pursuit of History

Serena Williams can count a fellow tennis legend among those who thinks it would be "incredible" if she returned to the court.

"I mean, I heard that she entered the doping program, and then I heard that she said she's not coming back," Roger Federer told reporters Thursday. "I mean, obviously for the game it would be incredible. ... Serena is such a legend to come back.

"If she decides not to do it, or just maybe give herself an option—it's great to have options in life, in my opinion. Let's see what she does and wait for an announcement, or not."

Federer was asked about Williams because her potential comeback was a storyline last month when she took to social media to clarify she had no plans on returning:

Her post was in response to a report that she applied for reinstatement and registered with the sport's drug-testing body as a first step toward a comeback from retirement.

Federer and Williams are two of the all-time legends, but he was also asked about the current state of the game. Carlos Alcaraz was a particular topic of interest since the 22-year-old is attempting to join him as one of nine men in tennis history to complete the career Grand Slam with an Australian Open win.

"He knows about it. It's like Rory [McIlroy] going for the Masters, you know, those things are tough," Federer said. "His momentum shifts toward the first round, and then it's point for point mentality. That's what it is.

"But it's true, at his young age, to be able to complete the career Grand Slam already now, I mean, would be crazy. ... I hope he does because for the game, that would be an unbelievable special moment."

Federer is a 20-time Grand Slam champion and completed his career Grand Slam in 2009 when he won at Roland Garros after falling short against Rafael Nadal in the past.

As for Alcaraz, he would become the youngest man to accomplish the task at 22 years and nearly nine months old, but he has never advanced past the quarterfinals at the event. While he is well on his way to becoming a legend in his own right, that may eventually have to change if he wants to become an icon like Federer.

Perhaps this will be the year it does.