NYT writer Christopher Clarey writes a masterpiece on the most popular tennis player in the world, not necessarily the most accomplished (Serena Williams or Novak Djokovic would take that honor): link

Roger Federer was the number one tennis player globally for 237 consecutive weeks from early 2004 to late 2008. It’s a record that Novak Djokovic can surpass, but one he may not achieve including number of tournaments won (needs 5 to surpass Federer and 11 to break Jimmy Connors’ record) after breaking all of Federer’s other records. Tennis is a grind, as I can attest as a lifelong player. Injuries happen. Family changes everything. The world watches every movement of a singles player like Federer or Serena Williams. Burnout is real and fully exposed.

As a fan of tennis books, this one deserves attention because it shows Federer as a real person who managed to hold the world’s attention for over two decades with a singular skill. Grace as a character trait is often missing in the world.

Federer continues to show grace in the twilight of his career despite ferocious competition, a spiteful media, and naysayers. Falling short is excoriated by those who hardly play the game. Social media has granted permission and ended filters for anyone willing to make their own version of the news.

I’ve seen Federer play multiple times. They were more memorable than watching Kobe, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, David Robinson, Barry Bonds, Kurt Warner, Mark McGuire, Tom Brady, and Tiger Woods. Why? Because tennis has always been my sport. Tennis is a demanding sport that I never really mastered, and watching Federer motivated me to try something new on the court. Even in 2021.