A tennis correspondent for the New York Times sits down with Roger Federer and those closest to him to tell the story of the greatest player in men's tennis.
Clarey makes the most of more than 20 years of journalistic access to Federer across six continents ... highlights some of the more publicly undersung but crucially influential members of Federer’s long-evolving team ... The book also deftly peels backs layers on some of the biggest matches of Federer’s career.
Clarey’s purpose is perhaps the most comprehensive book to date, an account of Federer’s journey from young prodigy to elder statesman that contains copious detail ... Clarey is a smooth, unpretentious writer who benefits from not being a Federer fanboy...He is as strong on Federer’s weaknesses as his strengths and writes with particular clarity on the struggles he has had with Djokovic ... Where the book falls down is in the lack of pace and fresh information, although, to be fair, Federer has not always been open about his life beyond the white lines. The Swiss emerges as a decent character, with huge talent, who finds life as uncomplicated as the game he has graced with such distinction.
Few writers could capture the evolution of Roger Federer’s ascent to the top of his sport from his start at age eight with more clarity and vision than New York Times tennis correspondent Clarey. He offers a master class in sportswriting as he presents the case for Greatest of All-Time (GOAT), tracing the growth and influences of the tennis superstar ... Clarey presents a well-researched analysis drawing from more than 20 interviews with Federer over the years, and with key players and influential figures ... A must-read for devoted tennis fans and everyone interested in athletes and the sports world.
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