Yes, there are these 20 Grand Slam titles, these anthology matches against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, these magic moves made with purity and conviction…
Posted at 6:50 a.m.
But first there is the man. A unique champion, aware of his immense place in professional sport and proud to assume it with panache, generosity and elegance.
Elegance on the pitch, elegance off the pitch. This is how we can sum up the formidable career of Roger Federer.
An anecdote: in August 2017, Federer took part in the Canadian Open tennis tournament in Montreal. In the previous weeks, he spoke several times about the knee injury which caused him to miss the second half of the previous season. One would have understood to roll one’s eyes upon hearing another question about this.
No way. Federer responds with generosity, even opening a window on a deep feeling: “In addition to the pain, I was afraid of the unknown…”
It was his way of remembering that, despite his fame and his fortune, he was a human being like the others, sometimes inhabited by doubt. I remember being moved listening to it.
That week, his post-game interviews quickly became a staple. In particular, he spoke about the challenges faced by the best up-and-coming players to reach the top of tennis. In doing so, he also revealed a key to his success.
You have to like being the center of attention. It’s not a bad thing that people talk about you. You can take that as something positive. And afterwards, you have to manage the moments, want to play on the center, want to play against the best, prove yourself, not be afraid of these moments.
Roger Federer
Manage the moments, don’t be afraid of them. In this chapter, Federer is a reference. Because he was able to adapt, especially when he first climbed to the top of the player rankings. “As soon as you become world number one, you have to take this sport up to a certain point, he said. […] I realized then that people valued my opinion. »
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I’ve covered a few Federer games over the years. And I have never admired his self-control so much as in the final of the London Olympics, at Wimbledon, in 2012.
Andy Murray was his opponent. Even if Federer was the king of the London lawn, the spectators had only for their compatriot. To the point where Federer’s unforced errors were enthusiastically applauded, disappointing behavior.
After his defeat, Federer remained diplomatic, as usual. “The atmosphere was different, more patriotic,” he said simply. But that in no way explains my defeat. Andy was great. »
PHOTO ADRIAN DENNIS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the Wimbledon tournament in July 2019
This ability to skim over controversies is a trademark of Federer. He demonstrated this in January 2012 when Rafael Nadal criticized him for not committing enough to defending the rights of players, struggling with an ultra-heavy schedule.
“I love tennis, Nadal had said. This sport has given me a great lifestyle. But ending your career with pain all over your body, is that a good thing? Federer may retire fresh as a rose, but that won’t be my case, nor that of Djokovic or Murray. »
Asked about this statement having caused a great stir, Federer had simply replied that Nadal remained his friend and that he would eat with him at the first opportunity.
No way for him to fuel a falling out with his great rival. The ties between the two men then strengthened markedly.
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Federer’s passion for tennis goes way beyond his own performances. Thus, during his stay in Montreal in 2017, it was he who requested a meeting with Félix Auger-Aliassime, who was beginning his career.
Guillaume Marx, then the coach of the young Quebecer, explained to me that this was hardly surprising.
Federer is interested in results even in the small categories. It’s quite mind-blowing. He knows the names of those who break through, watches videos of their matches and wants to meet them.
Guillaume Marx, ex-trainer of Félix Auger-Aliassime
This appreciation is validated in a recent biography of Federer, aptly titled The Master. The author, journalist Christopher Clarey, reports this statement from his former coach Paul Annacone: “The reason Roger is so interesting is because he is so interested. »
In a world where you are constantly the center of attention, remaining open to others is also a tour de force.
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We no longer count the exploits of Federer. His return to the limelight after being sidelined for six months in 2016 is among his greatest. A well-deserved retirement seemed in the cards. He was 35 years old and his record boasted 17 Grand Slam titles.
But no. Federer returned to action and added three major championship wins, a sign of exceptional determination.
Federer’s retirement marks the end of an era. Is he the best tennis player in history? Where does he fit in the list of the greatest athletes of all time? These are some interesting discussions!
But as he announces his retirement, his outstanding athletic performance is only one part of the equation. The way he behaved during all these years will forever remain a model.
In this aspect, he reminds me of a former hockey player who marked our history, also recognized for his elegance in all respects.
From a very Quebec perspective, we can argue that Roger Federer is the Jean Béliveau of tennis.