I will always remember the first time I had the chance to ask Roger Federer a question at a press conference.
Trying to get to grips with the reality of tennis journalism, seven years ago I travelled to Madrid in what was the first-ever international event I have worked at as a member of the media. Luck was on my side when my first taste of covering a Federer match in person was his meeting with the notorious Nick Kyrgios. The hype surrounding the match was high and it lived up to expectations with the Australian ousting Federer 6-7(2), 7-6(5), 7-6(12).
At the Caja Magica, the venue of the Madrid Open, Federer walked into his press conference visibly frustrated with his narrow loss. I wanted to ask him to reflect on his performance which is a pretty standard question from a journalist. This was the first time I had spoken directly to a member of the Big Three. As it got nearer to my turn, my hands started to feel sweaty and suddenly my mind went blank. I still managed to ask Federer my question, but it was certainly not the most coherent. As the transcriber pointed out when she wrote the word ‘Indiscernible’ instead of my question. You can only imagine my horror when I saw that.
In the aftermath, two things came to my mind. The first was that I hoped one of the most prestigious tennis players in the world don’t think I am an incompetent journalist. The second was why did I react the way I did? After all, I have no personal connection with Federer and he is a person like anybody else. Albeit one that is very good at tennis.
This was the first time I understood the influence an athlete can have on somebody without them even knowing. What sets Federer and a small handful of other players apart from the rest is that they have become more than an athlete. In a way, they are a brand that many aspire to be linked to in some way. Whether that is wearing clothing with Federer’s trademark RF logo, trying to imitate his forehand or something else.
It is impossible to put an exact number on how influential Federer has been on the sport but he has without a doubt boosted the sport’s growth. Something rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal deserve credit for doing as well.
Growing up in the UK as a tennis fan who played the sport recreationally, Federer was the player who the majority aspired to either imitate or be like. Admittedly, part of this was due to the mass marketing of the Swiss Maestro. But for me, Federer was always the person I had fond memories of watching at Wimbledon on my TV. When the Brits failed to go the full distance, there he was triumphing on the grass.
On reflection, my admiration for Federer as a youngster explains my reaction in Madrid when tasked with asking him a question. I wouldn’t go as far as saying Federer is my ultimate idol as there are many in the sport I have great respect for.
When I learned that Federer was retiring, I felt a lot of sadness. Once again he has set off my emotions without even knowing he has done so. I am sure many others can relate to this.
The influence world-class athletes can have on ordinary people like me is truly remarkable.
I hope one day I will cross paths with Federer whilst on my tennis travels. Maybe next time I can ask him a question that the transcriber can write down…..
No guarantee though!
