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Federer
Roger Federer's astounding all-around ability has led to him being referred to as one of the most complete players the game has ever seen and with 17 Grand Slam wins and an Olympic Gold Medal under his belt, the Swiss star has already achieved legendary status in the game. This authoritative and affectionate biography traces Federer's rise, from his first tentative strokes with a tennis racket to how he dealt with being sent away to a training academy where he struggled to communicate in a French-speaking part of Switzerland, as well as how he handled the sudden death of his first real coach and mentor. It also examines how Roger has bounced back from arguably one of the most challenging periods of his career following a serious illness and a dip in form, he broke his run of successive Wimbledon championship wins and was toppled from the number one spot by rival Rafael Nadal—but in characteristic style, silenced his critics by once again returning to winning form. This biography explains how Roger's professionalism and charm, as well as the time he devotes to his charitable foundation, have won him huge amounts of respect from both his fellow athletes and tennis professionals alike.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 26, 2022
Thank You Roger Federer : )
I've always been a huge fan of Rafael Nadal since i was a kid, but man .. Roger Federer he totally has my huge respect he is an iconic player in tennis world even before we see Nadal or Djokovic
This book was an amazing journey in Roger Federer career , matches and training, you see how when you love something you try to give your best and for sure Roger loved this sport
what made me read this book is the retirement of Roger Federer to be honest I can't deny I felt sad when I saw the last match of Roger Federer playing in a team with Rafael Nadal
but what can i say that's the life ... part of the journey is the end
thank you Roger Federer your legacy in the court will live forever...
I've always been a huge fan of Rafael Nadal since i was a kid, but man .. Roger Federer he totally has my huge respect he is an iconic player in tennis world even before we see Nadal or Djokovic
This book was an amazing journey in Roger Federer career , matches and training, you see how when you love something you try to give your best and for sure Roger loved this sport
what made me read this book is the retirement of Roger Federer to be honest I can't deny I felt sad when I saw the last match of Roger Federer playing in a team with Rafael Nadal
but what can i say that's the life ... part of the journey is the end
thank you Roger Federer your legacy in the court will live forever...
January 15, 2014
Federer is undoubtedly one of the sporting greats and arguably the greatest tennis player ever. But he also likes to keep his private life private and only his tennis life public. As such there is no Federer autobiography as yet or even a Federer authorised biography. After reading Nadal's biography which was written in partnership with him and so enjoying that feeling of getting to know him better I found this biography quite disappointing.
Don't misunderstand me. It is well written and it covers well the length and breadth of Federer's career to date including reflections on what makes him so great and how he has come to achieve all that he has. But I didn't feel like I got any closer to what actually makes Federer tick, or who he really is beyond a friendly, polite and respectable guy.
It is a good biography, and I really did enjoy reading it, but perhaps I just set my standard too high
Don't misunderstand me. It is well written and it covers well the length and breadth of Federer's career to date including reflections on what makes him so great and how he has come to achieve all that he has. But I didn't feel like I got any closer to what actually makes Federer tick, or who he really is beyond a friendly, polite and respectable guy.
It is a good biography, and I really did enjoy reading it, but perhaps I just set my standard too high
September 4, 2018
This book was very dull. It starts off okay with as we learn about his childhood start in tennis. The whole book is very much a detailed look at his career on a match by match and sometimes point by point basis. I don't feel I know anything more about him as a person having read this.
July 10, 2018
I read this book on a whim, since it had been left behind by my visiting nephew. The first point to note is that it’s not an authorized biography, which means it’s not simply a book of paeans to Federer’s unarguable excellence. Secondly, nor is this a hatchet job, uncovering some unknown flaw in the man. Instead, it came across as a well written story of Federer’s life, from childhood to his present GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) status.
From a general reading perspective, I found the initial sections on Federer’s childhood enjoyable to read. The role played by his family is highlighted, ferrying him to matches and practice, and the fact that they were comfortably off middle class Swiss citizens, certainly helped the boy Federer develop his game without existential distractions in mind.
Without descending to hero worship, and while pointing out that the boy Federer was often given to outbursts and could be hard to coach, Bowers, a respected journalist points out the early signs of his mental fortitude – Federer had a horrible time when he moved to the Swiss National Tennis Academy in Biel, and somehow manage to overcome his dislike for the place and his longing for home to become a better tennis player. Likewise, his decision after smashing a racquet at the Hamburg Open to control his emotions on court – leading to the extremely well-mannered, if slightly emotionless master craftsman that the world knows him as.
The same fortitude also came through when he set to work on his backhand after a horrid 2013 – a 2nd round defeat to No116 Sergiy Stakhovsky at Wimbledon the unarguable low point that led John Mc Enroe to prematurely write him off as never to win another Slam. How wrong he was! Still, throughout that period, Nadal exposed his backhand, especially the high balls on to backhand. Bowers highlights the grit with which Federer went back to work on improving his backhand, and the amazing results he derived as a result.
All in all, an interesting book if not quite a must read unless you are an absolute tennis fan. The parts about his childhood, the “surprise” French Open victory and the comeback post 2013 are perhaps most interesting for a lay reader.
From a general reading perspective, I found the initial sections on Federer’s childhood enjoyable to read. The role played by his family is highlighted, ferrying him to matches and practice, and the fact that they were comfortably off middle class Swiss citizens, certainly helped the boy Federer develop his game without existential distractions in mind.
Without descending to hero worship, and while pointing out that the boy Federer was often given to outbursts and could be hard to coach, Bowers, a respected journalist points out the early signs of his mental fortitude – Federer had a horrible time when he moved to the Swiss National Tennis Academy in Biel, and somehow manage to overcome his dislike for the place and his longing for home to become a better tennis player. Likewise, his decision after smashing a racquet at the Hamburg Open to control his emotions on court – leading to the extremely well-mannered, if slightly emotionless master craftsman that the world knows him as.
The same fortitude also came through when he set to work on his backhand after a horrid 2013 – a 2nd round defeat to No116 Sergiy Stakhovsky at Wimbledon the unarguable low point that led John Mc Enroe to prematurely write him off as never to win another Slam. How wrong he was! Still, throughout that period, Nadal exposed his backhand, especially the high balls on to backhand. Bowers highlights the grit with which Federer went back to work on improving his backhand, and the amazing results he derived as a result.
All in all, an interesting book if not quite a must read unless you are an absolute tennis fan. The parts about his childhood, the “surprise” French Open victory and the comeback post 2013 are perhaps most interesting for a lay reader.
July 13, 2019
pure Legend
February 7, 2024
When I picked up the book Federer I knew this was a Biography and having read Autobiographies, I did want to read a different style of writing because believe me autobiographies are usually written with an intention to let us know the true story or from the perception of the narrator, which makes sense, except the narrator will want to present the story that he wants us to hear which may not be facts but then if it is their story, they have a right to do it their way.
Back to Federer, I admit that this book is the encyclopedia of all the greatest matches that Federer must have every played in his life time in details given the set scores also. This book covers a span of his tennis career which unofficially started when he was as small as 3 years old. The author takes us to his early tennis playing days, his rage on loosing the game, his different coaches that shaped his career and his will power and one point focus to the game that made him the legend that he is today.
This book is well researched, thoroughly covers all the phases of Federer's life, his wins, his low points, his attitude towards the personal matches and for playing the Davis cup for the country, his relation with his fellow players and competitors and how he overcame each challenge and proved his detractors wrong time and again. Even when Roger Federer was written off by his defeats and injuries, he always managed to bounce back stronger and higher. Federer has broken a number of world records in tennis and stayed the No 1 Rank for almost more than 300 days in tow. His greatness is exuded from the way he managed to take his responsibility as the world no 1 player seriously and commit his life to Tennis.
What I found lacking in this book is the feeling, the personal touch which autobiographies present to us and we get to delve into the minds of the authors to know what was troubling him and his reaction, action, steps taken to overcome the challenge etc. Like I want to know what Roger felt when his coach Carter died and with what emotions he played the subsequent matches. All this and more was hugely missing here, so infact when some statements are being presented here quoted by Federer himself, we do not know the reason why he made those statements -whether in the spur of the moment or a strategy. Having read the Autobiography of Andre Agassi, I can safely say I would any day prefer a autobiography rather than reading a thoroughly in depth well researched book taken from so many databank, after interviewing all the people who had taken part in the events related to the subject but the subject himself.
I in no way blame the author neither condemn his work of writing which may have been liked by many people but failed to work for me. This is the last unauthorized Biography that I will be picking up in a while now, so yes if you want to know the lifespan of the great player and his games, go ahead and take a deep dive.
Back to Federer, I admit that this book is the encyclopedia of all the greatest matches that Federer must have every played in his life time in details given the set scores also. This book covers a span of his tennis career which unofficially started when he was as small as 3 years old. The author takes us to his early tennis playing days, his rage on loosing the game, his different coaches that shaped his career and his will power and one point focus to the game that made him the legend that he is today.
This book is well researched, thoroughly covers all the phases of Federer's life, his wins, his low points, his attitude towards the personal matches and for playing the Davis cup for the country, his relation with his fellow players and competitors and how he overcame each challenge and proved his detractors wrong time and again. Even when Roger Federer was written off by his defeats and injuries, he always managed to bounce back stronger and higher. Federer has broken a number of world records in tennis and stayed the No 1 Rank for almost more than 300 days in tow. His greatness is exuded from the way he managed to take his responsibility as the world no 1 player seriously and commit his life to Tennis.
What I found lacking in this book is the feeling, the personal touch which autobiographies present to us and we get to delve into the minds of the authors to know what was troubling him and his reaction, action, steps taken to overcome the challenge etc. Like I want to know what Roger felt when his coach Carter died and with what emotions he played the subsequent matches. All this and more was hugely missing here, so infact when some statements are being presented here quoted by Federer himself, we do not know the reason why he made those statements -whether in the spur of the moment or a strategy. Having read the Autobiography of Andre Agassi, I can safely say I would any day prefer a autobiography rather than reading a thoroughly in depth well researched book taken from so many databank, after interviewing all the people who had taken part in the events related to the subject but the subject himself.
I in no way blame the author neither condemn his work of writing which may have been liked by many people but failed to work for me. This is the last unauthorized Biography that I will be picking up in a while now, so yes if you want to know the lifespan of the great player and his games, go ahead and take a deep dive.
June 24, 2018
Perfect, the one word can be used to describe this brilliant book by Chris Bowers. Federer is brilliant and more. The masterpiece on the unfinished professional journey of Roger Federer the Swiss tennis maestro, is not a mere biography. It describes the persona of Federer, with a briefing on his initial days at school's tennis academy and the years that followed, of unmatched perseverance, persistence, and hard work which helped him gain the crown of the king in tennis world. As we proceed with the read, interesting memoirs on tennis life of the Open era great surfaces to keep the book lovers on their toes and interested. Roger Federer's progress in the men's tennis circuit is awe-inspiring, and depicts the mettle only champions are made of. Making a mark on the tennis front as an energetic youngster, Federer's career took off during the final phase of Pete Sampras's elite tennis career. With a staggering display of powerful backhand, the tennis champion in the making took the sport world by surprise recording phenomenal success winning majors, and holding other ATP titles under his belt, very early in his career. While his attacking, dominating, and intimidating array of shots rendered his opponents toothless, it also resulted in many tennis greats of yesteryear take notice of the budding prodigy. The raw talent did attract a fair share of backlash from the detractors during his initial days terming him a rebel act on the tennis court, primarily for his physical appearance. However, with time on his side the young bloke proved that he was more than just a rebel with his unparalleled prowess on the tennis court. Elegance is the word that can be associated with Federer's game play.
Federer possesses the flair of a guitar artist at work, and his graceful backhand, drop, and forehand shots capture the imagination of many tennis admirers. Chris Bowers in this gem of a work on the Swiss champion's life, takes us through the highs and lows of Federer's career. His rise atop the tennis ladder is an intriguing story and defines the extraordinary level of commitment, determination, and grit, only a few elite athletes in the sport of tennis have equalled. The sport fanatics can look forward to an excellent, indulging account on his tennis accomplishments narrated with a palatable and an appreciable degree of attention to detail. From my perspective biographies dealt with, through a deep introspection of a player's life and character is worth a thousand reads. The biographer in Chris Bowers explains the importance of being Federer, be it his jaw-dropping execution of backhand, the deceptive drop shot, the booming ace, his shrewdness, or his conduct off the court. The tennis stalwart has continually evolved over his formative years as a pro to be the graceful accomplished tennis ace, he is. Federer's beauty lies in the way he handles immense pressure which forms an integral part of a sportsperson's career. The author minces no words to place him alongside the greatest sportspersons such as Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, and John McEnroe. It wouldn't be wrong to conclude that Federer with his paramount degree of success, indeed has embarked on a sporting journey which could dub him as the GOAT.
Federer is nothing short of a masterpiece. The biographical work begins with a gist on the Swiss master's early years in school and his internal struggle to overcome adversities and obstacles in his pursuit of making it to the topmost level in the game. Thereafter, the incredibly crafted work renders insight into the tennis great's march ahead in the tennis sphere towards attaining magnificence, the camaraderie he shares with his tennis coaches, the turn around in his tennis fortune after the first grand slam win, his nemesis - no points for guessing who, the other thorns in his flesh during the later part of his career - Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, his several on court duels with Lleyton Hewitt, his quest to conquer unattainable height, and his ascent with a crescendo to be counted among the Greatest Of All Time. There is more of it to Federer's persona than being a mere enigma. The aura surrounding him when he steps on the court to play his competitor, send noiseless warning signal to the opposition's camp. His calm composure and tactful tackling of challenges and threats, the rivals pose speak volumes about his tennis personality. Roger Federer is arguably the most accomplished tennis player after Pete Sampras.
Federer is a work introduced by a tennis enthusiast for the tennis addicts. Federer has time and again evolved with Federer's progressive career. The latest edition was scripted and published after Federer surpassed Sampras's tally of 14 grand slam titles to make the men's tennis record his own. The biography is a must read for tennis admirers solely for the degree of tenacity and sheer brilliance it imparts to the author's work with a reflection on Roger Federer's illustrious career, and exploits as a tennis professional. Federer gains 4 break points for the unmatched plethora of aces it serves to the readers. An excellent read. The ecstatic Federer lies in the euphoria of Federer. Have fun. Cheers.
Federer possesses the flair of a guitar artist at work, and his graceful backhand, drop, and forehand shots capture the imagination of many tennis admirers. Chris Bowers in this gem of a work on the Swiss champion's life, takes us through the highs and lows of Federer's career. His rise atop the tennis ladder is an intriguing story and defines the extraordinary level of commitment, determination, and grit, only a few elite athletes in the sport of tennis have equalled. The sport fanatics can look forward to an excellent, indulging account on his tennis accomplishments narrated with a palatable and an appreciable degree of attention to detail. From my perspective biographies dealt with, through a deep introspection of a player's life and character is worth a thousand reads. The biographer in Chris Bowers explains the importance of being Federer, be it his jaw-dropping execution of backhand, the deceptive drop shot, the booming ace, his shrewdness, or his conduct off the court. The tennis stalwart has continually evolved over his formative years as a pro to be the graceful accomplished tennis ace, he is. Federer's beauty lies in the way he handles immense pressure which forms an integral part of a sportsperson's career. The author minces no words to place him alongside the greatest sportspersons such as Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, and John McEnroe. It wouldn't be wrong to conclude that Federer with his paramount degree of success, indeed has embarked on a sporting journey which could dub him as the GOAT.
Federer is nothing short of a masterpiece. The biographical work begins with a gist on the Swiss master's early years in school and his internal struggle to overcome adversities and obstacles in his pursuit of making it to the topmost level in the game. Thereafter, the incredibly crafted work renders insight into the tennis great's march ahead in the tennis sphere towards attaining magnificence, the camaraderie he shares with his tennis coaches, the turn around in his tennis fortune after the first grand slam win, his nemesis - no points for guessing who, the other thorns in his flesh during the later part of his career - Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, his several on court duels with Lleyton Hewitt, his quest to conquer unattainable height, and his ascent with a crescendo to be counted among the Greatest Of All Time. There is more of it to Federer's persona than being a mere enigma. The aura surrounding him when he steps on the court to play his competitor, send noiseless warning signal to the opposition's camp. His calm composure and tactful tackling of challenges and threats, the rivals pose speak volumes about his tennis personality. Roger Federer is arguably the most accomplished tennis player after Pete Sampras.
Federer is a work introduced by a tennis enthusiast for the tennis addicts. Federer has time and again evolved with Federer's progressive career. The latest edition was scripted and published after Federer surpassed Sampras's tally of 14 grand slam titles to make the men's tennis record his own. The biography is a must read for tennis admirers solely for the degree of tenacity and sheer brilliance it imparts to the author's work with a reflection on Roger Federer's illustrious career, and exploits as a tennis professional. Federer gains 4 break points for the unmatched plethora of aces it serves to the readers. An excellent read. The ecstatic Federer lies in the euphoria of Federer. Have fun. Cheers.
November 3, 2022
This is GOAT of biography as it is written on GOAT of tennis.
Chris Bowers has put his heart into it. A must read for all fans of Federer, tennis and biographical genre of books in general.
Chris Bowers has put his heart into it. A must read for all fans of Federer, tennis and biographical genre of books in general.
May 15, 2024
So boring, this was basically a play by play account of all the matches he played since he was 16. Skip 😴
June 19, 2025
Nella mia testa continuavo a paragonarla a quella di Agassi, che probabilmente é ingiusto visto lo spessore diverso dell'autore e anche il fatto che Agassi ha collaborato mentre Federer no. E' interessante ma un resoconto un po' piatto della carriera dello svizzero.
May 9, 2016
One of the best biographies I have ever read. This book had everything, from describing the intense matches, to the behind the scenes info, to in-depth analysis of the evidence presented.
Something that was highlighted throughout the book was Bower's ability to criticise Federer, to present the full story. This contrasts from some biographies, which really only praise a person. This book was full of the implications to all of his decisions, and how, for some people, Federer is looked down upon. It is a great connection to the position paper's unit - where it is essential to show the full story, be fair to all sides.
This book was a gift from my friends, and I have highly enjoyed it, and recommend this to anyone, sporting fan or not.
Something that was highlighted throughout the book was Bower's ability to criticise Federer, to present the full story. This contrasts from some biographies, which really only praise a person. This book was full of the implications to all of his decisions, and how, for some people, Federer is looked down upon. It is a great connection to the position paper's unit - where it is essential to show the full story, be fair to all sides.
This book was a gift from my friends, and I have highly enjoyed it, and recommend this to anyone, sporting fan or not.
October 27, 2017
This biographical account of Roger Federer's life up to early 2016 is a nice read. I definitely now know a lot more about Federer's tennis career in addition to his personality. Bowers shows that Roger Federer is not the perfect god-like figure people always think of. However, it is made abundantly clear that there has never been such a successful player and world ambassador of tennis like Roger Federer.
The stats and match results strewn across this book are quite repetitious and a bit dull at times. Not to mention, there will be nothing as good as when Federer himself finally writes an autobiography. Having said that, I would still be very interested in reading Bowers's account on the post 2015 successes of Roger Federer in an upcoming re-installment.
The stats and match results strewn across this book are quite repetitious and a bit dull at times. Not to mention, there will be nothing as good as when Federer himself finally writes an autobiography. Having said that, I would still be very interested in reading Bowers's account on the post 2015 successes of Roger Federer in an upcoming re-installment.
December 6, 2016
Federer is a insight to the events that created the legend we know today. In the book there are play by play descriptions of key matches that made Federer who he is. The book gives us details into his financial and media life.
This book could have been improved if it was told from Federer's point of view. I read open by Andre Agassi and it was a mile better because of the point of view. You don't get the same amount of details and insight into his life as compared to the book Open.
I like that the book included his childhood and events that created who he was. the book include the details of Federer's philosophy.
This book could have been improved if it was told from Federer's point of view. I read open by Andre Agassi and it was a mile better because of the point of view. You don't get the same amount of details and insight into his life as compared to the book Open.
I like that the book included his childhood and events that created who he was. the book include the details of Federer's philosophy.
December 26, 2016
This was my first read on Federer and I should say I thoroughly enjoyed the 450 pages of Roger. Chris Bowers made me nostalgic with all those big match chapters and how Roger became a multi-grandslam champion. It is definitely a book based on online content (most of it) and don't expect too many personal incidents about Federer to be quoted in the book.
The chapters on his early life were spectacular. This book is a must read for all those Federer/tennis fans who would want to know more about the GOAT . Would certainly recommend this to the Federer family.
The chapters on his early life were spectacular. This book is a must read for all those Federer/tennis fans who would want to know more about the GOAT . Would certainly recommend this to the Federer family.
February 1, 2017
As a fan of Roger Federer this was an interesting read. I was already aware of his exploits and record as a professional tennis player, but it was interesting to read about his junior years and the early days on the fringe of the circuit. It is not an autobiography, so it lacks some personal insights, but then Federer is a fiercely private man. I suspect there will be a new edition to this book after the recent triumph in the Australian Open. I wasn't overly keen on the use of exclamation marks, I don't need to be told when I should be excited.
October 16, 2018
By necessity this book is a little repetitious in parts as it recites scores in big tennis matches (like grand slams) but as a Federer fan I forgave that. There is also a lack of depth at times as the author did not have access to the great man and was therefore limited to one one-on-one interview, after-match interviews and quotes from other journalists. Worth reading, but we'll have to wait for the real deal, which will be when Federer either puts pen to paper himself, or when the authorised biography appears.
December 12, 2014
Even being a tennis prodigy, Roger sort of struggled at the beginning of his tennis career. Loved the way he fought his way back and nears took 5 years into his Pro career to really become a good player. From there on, he never looked back. Also, loved the way how much federer improved on his emotional side. From frequent outbursts to racquet to his serene self he is today. Highly recommended.
August 2, 2015
It's a great book to read to know the life of one of the greatest legends in tennis. All the hard work he has done for himself, even to have a bad temper in the younger years to becoming one of the most contented/ calm tennis player on court.. This book is very inspiring especially if you're already a big fan of his :-)
November 28, 2016
Even being a tennis prodigy, Roger sort of struggled at the beginning of his tennis career. Loved the way he fought his way back and nears took 5 years into his Pro career to really become a good player. From there on, he never looked back. Also, loved the way how much federer improved on his emotional side. From frequent outbursts to racquet to his serene self he is today. Highly recommended.
April 28, 2014
Very Good
One of the best books about Roger Federer that I have ever read in my entire life!!! I really enjoyed it!!
One of the best books about Roger Federer that I have ever read in my entire life!!! I really enjoyed it!!
January 12, 2015
After reading this book, I feel like I can accomplish anything, if you put in hard work. Spoiler, Roger Federer used to have anger management and would go so far as to throw his racquet.
December 23, 2015
Kendi kaleminden çıkmış biyografisini 4 gözle bekliyorum. Otobiyografinin tadını vermiyor bu tarz kitaplar.
January 5, 2017
Good read
Good insights into the mind of the Master, Roger Federer.
Nothing against the book, but I can't wait for the man himself to pen his life down!!
Good insights into the mind of the Master, Roger Federer.
Nothing against the book, but I can't wait for the man himself to pen his life down!!
May 22, 2017
Engaging and resourceful. Gets to know the genius better.
February 6, 2024
The author explains this as an “unauthorised biography” which explains some of the limitations of the book. Considering it’s not written in collaboration with Roger, the author has researched quite a bit across different aspects.
The book starts well with his childhood phase, and presents information I didn’t know. Roger comes from a humble family and the influence of his parents has stayed with him, keeping him grounded despite reaching the glorious heights he’s reached. It was interesting to know he was a good tennis player but equally interested in football, which he eventually gave up as he preferred the individual sport.
Subsequently the book becomes a listing of important matches. There are parts of him as a tennis ambassador and a family man, but not much about Roger the person.
Despite mentioning him as the best tennis player ever, there is enough reason to feel otherwise. His not-so-flattering records against both Nadal and Djokovic don’t support that POV. Secondly, the author presents many incidents where Federer considered representing his country less important and ignored Davis Cup and probably didn’t put his heart into the Olympics, compared to the Masters and Grand Slams. He’s been mentioned as one of the nicest (I believe is he and absolutely adore his relationship with Rafa despite they being fierce rivals on court) but he wasn’t the nicest to one of his key compatriots Wawrinka. In short the book raises more questions than provides answers on many of these aspects.
Most biographies I’ve enjoyed, told me more about the person than his/ her resume. Unfortunately, that was an aspect where this book let me down as there was much more focus on player than on the person. Taking of tennis player biographies, ones on Agassi and Nadal were much more interesting reads.
The book starts well with his childhood phase, and presents information I didn’t know. Roger comes from a humble family and the influence of his parents has stayed with him, keeping him grounded despite reaching the glorious heights he’s reached. It was interesting to know he was a good tennis player but equally interested in football, which he eventually gave up as he preferred the individual sport.
Subsequently the book becomes a listing of important matches. There are parts of him as a tennis ambassador and a family man, but not much about Roger the person.
Despite mentioning him as the best tennis player ever, there is enough reason to feel otherwise. His not-so-flattering records against both Nadal and Djokovic don’t support that POV. Secondly, the author presents many incidents where Federer considered representing his country less important and ignored Davis Cup and probably didn’t put his heart into the Olympics, compared to the Masters and Grand Slams. He’s been mentioned as one of the nicest (I believe is he and absolutely adore his relationship with Rafa despite they being fierce rivals on court) but he wasn’t the nicest to one of his key compatriots Wawrinka. In short the book raises more questions than provides answers on many of these aspects.
Most biographies I’ve enjoyed, told me more about the person than his/ her resume. Unfortunately, that was an aspect where this book let me down as there was much more focus on player than on the person. Taking of tennis player biographies, ones on Agassi and Nadal were much more interesting reads.
August 22, 2021
It was a thoroughly entertaining read. The author goes over his childhood and how a hot-headed bundle of energy from Basel went on to dominate tennis from 2004-2008. A ton of interesting anecdotes about his off-court life go a long way in explaining his heroics on the tennis court. The next section narrates the end of his domination with the rise of two superstars: Rafa and Novak.
A tennis fan would be thrilled to read about some of the points which have shaped the careers of our favourite players e.g. Federer's forehand off Haase while being a break and 2 sets down in the 2009 French Open.
However, the book fell short of explaining why Federer is so revered and adored, despite Nadal being so gracious and humble off-court. The statistics are out there - with the Big Three tied at 20 Grand Slams after Djokovic's Wimbledon 2021 triumph, everybody has their take on who the tennis GOAT is. But what explains the stardom which Federer can boast of? Federer has had his fair share of braggadocious comments during post-match presentations. His reluctance to accommodate Davis Cup in his calendar seems to have put off a few Swiss fans. I was stupefied to read about his spat with Wawrinka. So what sets him apart? I was hoping to find the answer to this question but could find only bits and pieces of the answer scattered throughout the book
A tennis fan would be thrilled to read about some of the points which have shaped the careers of our favourite players e.g. Federer's forehand off Haase while being a break and 2 sets down in the 2009 French Open.
However, the book fell short of explaining why Federer is so revered and adored, despite Nadal being so gracious and humble off-court. The statistics are out there - with the Big Three tied at 20 Grand Slams after Djokovic's Wimbledon 2021 triumph, everybody has their take on who the tennis GOAT is. But what explains the stardom which Federer can boast of? Federer has had his fair share of braggadocious comments during post-match presentations. His reluctance to accommodate Davis Cup in his calendar seems to have put off a few Swiss fans. I was stupefied to read about his spat with Wawrinka. So what sets him apart? I was hoping to find the answer to this question but could find only bits and pieces of the answer scattered throughout the book
March 21, 2025
Listened to the audio book read by Jonathan Guy Lewis.
I am a lightweight tennis fan, in that I watch Wimbledon and that's about it.
I found this book rather tedious and feel like I will never have to read another book about tennis in my life, as this did cover some other players, and tournaments.
Why has the author written 3 books about Federer. He's not that interesting, trust me, he just isn't.
He comes across as a bit of a twat, who is disrespectful to others and his dickish behaviour is always excused by the author, as is his bad judgements and failures. Nothing ever seems to be Federers fault. The Author comes across as a Federer fan-boy to be honest.
He's done a few male tennis players. I wonder what those biographies are like - does he also come across as a fan-boy for them too?
I won't be reading them. Really, this book is only interesting if you are super interested in Tennis.
I am a lightweight tennis fan, in that I watch Wimbledon and that's about it.
I found this book rather tedious and feel like I will never have to read another book about tennis in my life, as this did cover some other players, and tournaments.
Why has the author written 3 books about Federer. He's not that interesting, trust me, he just isn't.
He comes across as a bit of a twat, who is disrespectful to others and his dickish behaviour is always excused by the author, as is his bad judgements and failures. Nothing ever seems to be Federers fault. The Author comes across as a Federer fan-boy to be honest.
He's done a few male tennis players. I wonder what those biographies are like - does he also come across as a fan-boy for them too?
I won't be reading them. Really, this book is only interesting if you are super interested in Tennis.
March 26, 2023
I feel that Chris Bowers has done a solid job with this book, with the level of access and materials afforded to him. However, as it is not an authorised biography, it lacks the personal touch and doesn't really give the feel and sense of the Swiss Maestro. It is a good resource for fans who would enjoy a match by match recounting of his career up to the publication/revision date, and is well written at that, but for me is lacking that special something to really capture the magic of Federer the tennis player.
October 3, 2019
It is a great book with so many excerpts that give insight into how the champion became what he is. A right blend of talent, hard work and things clicking at the right time have brought federer to the pinnacle of tennis. This book also shows his philanthrophic side with the roger federer foundation and looks into his nature as a human being.
October 10, 2019
The book gives you a good insight into Federer as the top-most ranking tennis player as well as a person. The author tracks him right from childhood to the latest games.
At times the narrative gets a bit bogged down into the nitty-gritty of some games. Unless the reader is so interested in those particular games, it's difficult to connect.
Overall, a good writeup.
At times the narrative gets a bit bogged down into the nitty-gritty of some games. Unless the reader is so interested in those particular games, it's difficult to connect.
Overall, a good writeup.
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