Roger Federer has backed Carlos Alcaraz to complete the career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open.

Alcaraz heads into the season's first major having never gone beyond the quarter-finals at the event.

Should the 22-year-old go all the way in Melbourne, it will mark his seventh grand slam title and see him complete the set when it comes to the major trophies.

He would become the youngest man to win all four grand slams.

And 20-time major winner Federer, who won the Australian Open six times, believes this year will be Alcaraz's time Down Under.

Federer compared Alcaraz's challenge as to the one previously faced by golfer Rory McIlroy, before the Northern Irishman prevailed at the Masters last year.

"It's like Rory McIlroy going for the Masters, those things are tough," Federer said.

"At [Alcaraz's] young age, completing the career Grand Slam would be crazy.

"Let's see if he is able to do crazy this week. I hope he does because for the game it would be an unbelievably special moment."

Smiles all round for RLA

Carlito defeats de Minaur 6-3 6-4 in the opening week showdown @wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/sw3XHcoJxD

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2026

Alcaraz is top of the ATP world rankings, but Jannik Sinner is hunting a third straight Australian Open crown.

The Italian and Alcaraz have split the last eight grand slam titles between them, and they contested three major finals last season.

Sinner triumphed at Wimbledon, while Alcaraz succeeded at Roland-Garros and Flushing Meadows.

"What we've seen in terms of their progression in the last years, it's been wonderful," Federer said of the duo.

"I practised with those guys a little bit. They're incredible ball strikers.

"There's obviously more to come. I just hope they stay injury-free."

Alcaraz has been drawn against Adam Walton in the first round.