A few days after Serena Williams, the world of tennis and sport in general is again shaken by the announcement of the retirement of Roger Federer. At just 41 years old, the Swiss will actually put away his snowshoes at the end of the month, once the fifth edition of the wash cup —which he originated— ended.
To measure the longevity of the man who is considered by many to be the greatest tennis player of all time, let’s remember that when he played his first professional match in July 1998, Michael Jordan had just hung up his sneakers on a “Last Shot”, LeBron James was only 13 years old and Tariq Abdul-Wahad was the only French player to have walked on an NBA floor!
What has not changed, however, is the presence of Gregg Popovich on the Spurs bench…
Rather gifted in basketball, as he demonstrated in Shanghai in the fall of 2019, Roger Federer will forever remain as one of the greatest icons of his sport. Like a Michael Jordan, a Tom Brady, a Serena Williams, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, a Usain Bolt, a Tiger Woods or a Michael Phelps…
A tidy and simple life, for a cool guy who loves his sport
It is difficult, in this sense, to compare him fairly and precisely to other athletes. But Steve Kerr had all the same risked doing it four years ago, when he attended the 1/8th final of the US Open between Roger Federer and John Millman (finally lost by the Swiss).
“ Does he look like Michael Jordan? Oh yes, they are the greatest players of all time “, first launched the coach of the Warriorsin September 2018.” But, in terms of style of play, I don’t know… In fact, he reminds me a bit of Stephen Curry. He leads a life that might seem chaotic, but he is comfortable. He has a wonderful family, he loves to play, he loves his life and he’s a cool guy. Just like Steph. “
As recently as this year, Steve Kerr did not hesitate to add a layer to this comparison between Roger Federer and Stephen Curry, in full Finals against the Celtics.
“ We met [Roger] Federer a few years ago, in China “, recalled the Golden State technician last June, before Game 5 against Boston. “ We were playing in Shanghai and he came to visit us in the locker room. Draymond [Green] asked him: ‘How have you been doing this for 20 years?’. His response was simple, yet profound. He told her: ‘I like my daily routine. I get up, I cook my children’s breakfast, I take them to school and I go to practice. I love competition. And, every night, when I lay my head on my pillow, I say to myself: ‘What a beautiful day. That’s why I think a lot about [Stephen Curry] when I remember this response from Roger Federer. I see there a great similarity between them. There is life that predominates and just joy to continue this process. “
And Steve Kerr to add, still about this routine of Stephen Curry, which indirectly connects him to Roger Federer.
“ He has his routine, he’s like a metronome. Every day it’s exactly the same. He goes to the training room, then to the weight room, then to the field. It is regulated like a clock. But there is also a sense of joy that energizes her in her work. I think that’s what connects all great sportsmen, like Roger Federer and Stephen Curry. There’s a routine that’s not only super-disciplined, but truly enjoyed daily. There is also a passion that accompanies it, which lasts over time and allows you to improve, again and again. “
Admired and respected by all, Roger Federer was able to meet some of the greatest basketball players in history throughout his 24-year career. From Michael Jordan (he collaborated with Jordan Brand) to Stephen Curry, via Kobe Bryant or Kevin Durant. A big fan of the orange ball, we also remember that his teenage room was decorated with posters of Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan…
