Federer and Me: A Story of Obsession

Journalist Skidelsky writes of his life and love for Swiss tennis player Roger Federer, winner of a record 17 Grand Slam titles. The author is at his best when describing Federer's skill and innovation, and fans of the player will likely not dispute the assertions of his grace on court. Interesting also is the discussion on why we talk of the beauty of his shots—if it's a concept that matters, or whether winning is the only factor of greatness. Skidelsky's writing on the 2008 Wimbledon final between Federer and Rafael Nadal is likewise engaging (and bittersweet—Federer lost), and his experiences at matches will be of particular interest for fans who haven't seen Federer play in person. However, curiously lacking are details on Federer's current rivalry with Novak Djokovic (two of 2015's Grand Slam finals were between them), and sections in which the author recounts his life outside of tennis (e.g., playing squash at Eton) lag at times. While Skidelsky offers examples of others who share his devotion to Federer (women who follow Federer around the world; a man who named his son Roger), his narrative doesn't succeed in examining why such a fandom exists.