Roger Federer: Spirit of a Champion

Gods of Tennis - Sunday, 14 February 20102 Comments

ISBN13: 9781844547487
Condition: NEW
Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product DescriptionRoger Federer’s astounding, all-round ability on grass and clay has made him one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. With 13 Grand Slam wins and an Olympic gold medal under his belt, the Swiss star has already achieved legendary status. This authoritative and affectionate biography traces Federer’s rise from his first tentative strokes with a racket through his early years in an elite French academy and his struggles with the sudden death of his firs. . . More >>

Roger Federer: Spirit of a Champion

2 Comments »

Klipspringer said:

Let it be known that there are few more avid fans of tennis in general, and Roger Federer in particular, than me. Thus, it would not have taken much to satisfy my hunger for even a marginally revealing and intimate biography of the game’s biggest star. Unfortunately, I’m still hungry.

The book does relate some interesting facts about Federer’s childhood, his family, and his entry into the sport of tennis. Federer’s maturation from a young hothead and many early losses to possibly “the greatest ever” is described, match by match. But, there is very little emotion or “meat” in what is essentially a matter-of-fact chronological recall of his career through 2008.

The author is regarded as an experienced and renowned tennis writer, which made the presentation even more disappointing. As an advanced player myself, I was hoping for a bit of analysis from a player’s perspective of what sets Federer apart from the rest; his shotmaking, techniques, match preparation, mental toughness, etc. I can learn more watching Federer on television.

In fairness, Federer himself has described his off-court life as “boring. ” Several times throughout the book, the author states how secretive and protective Federer is of his private life. Federer is obviously very good at this, since nothing in the book reveals much the public does not already know. The author is often apologetic for Federer, at times bordering on fawning. As such, it is not a biography, but more a tribute.

For a well-written, revealing look at the seamier sides of professional tennis, read Agassi’s book. As for the definitive look at Roger Federer, we’re still waiting.
Rating: 2 / 5

- 14 February 2010 at 8:55 am

tutsi buster lizzy said:

I have no problems with a biographer sympathizing with his subject, but in my opinion it limits the amount of truths you can uncover about someone’s life. However, this is well written. The last quarter is mostly a running commentary of his important matches, but they need to be described to establish context. Please read if you are a Roger Federer fan. I am.
Rating: 4 / 5

- 14 February 2010 at 9:10 am