The Master: The Brilliant Career Of Roger Federer - An Insight

Roger Federer one of the greatest players of all time was born on the 8th of August in the year 1981 in Basel, a city in Switzerland. His father Robert Federer was a Swiss and his mother Lynette Federer was a South African. 

Robert grew up playing many sports like football, badminton, basketball and of course tennis. He started playing tennis at the tender age of eight. Roger Federer has backed  20 grand slam titles in his glorious career. 

He was a hothead when he was a teen, but as his career progressed he started to remain calm and cool on the courts. His playing style and gentlemanly behavior have been loved by all. 

He is among the most respected and loved people in the world. He also runs a foundation known as the Robert Federer foundation to fund the education of kids who cannot afford it.

About the Book

The book’ The Master: the brilliant career of Roger Federer’ authored by Christopher Clarey takes us to his exciting and action-packed career. Clarey has interviewed not just Roger but the people who were the closest to him which include his Coaches, rivals, tour officials, etc.

The book is engrossing, enthralling, and gripping and is a treat for any sports enthusiast and a blessing for Roger Federer’s fans. The book keeps one hooked right from the first line to the last.

Christopher’s masterpiece is a shout-out to all the people and their combined efforts that have made Roger Federer what he is today. Roger would not have come so far without the support of these people behind him.

There is a mention of Roger's late coach Peter Carter. Peter Carter was one of the best Australian tennis players and coaches. He was Roger's first coach. Peter Carter did not have a great career but he is widely known as a coach. He identified Roger's talent in the first place itself.

“Peter was a tremendously influential and important person in my life,” Federer has remarked. He instilled in me the value of treating others with respect. I'll never be able to express my gratitude to him enough.”

Unfortunately, Carter died on 1 August 2002 in a fatal car accident. Roger was greatly moved by Carter's demise. As coaching paid high in Switzerland than in any other region, Peter Carter shifted to Switzerland. It was then when Roger Federer met Peter Carter. And, as they say, the rest is history.

Roger Federer had switched several coaches in his career. But the one coach that was extremely close to his heart was Peter Carter. Roger used to be an angry kid when he was in his teens.  He had serious anger issues.  It was Carter that instilled a sense of calmness and stability into him. 

Peter Carter made his life more disciplined and taught him to get control over his anger. It was Carter that shaped him in his early years and that has made all the difference. 

Many say that Roger Federer’s current game is a reflection of Carter’s philosophy. Federer has many times spoken of Carter.  Federer had said, “When I was 16, Peter Carter joined the NTC, and he became my mentor. If I play the way I play today, it’s probably because of Peter.” 

People Who Made a Difference

Carter was Federer's friend, teacher, mentor, coach, and a lot more. Among other professionals who have been mentioned in Christopher Clarey's 'The Master: The Brilliant Career of Roger Federer'are Pierre Paganini, Roger Federer’s fitness coach, and Christian Marcolli, who is a psychologist.

 
Pierre Paganini is the man behind Roger’s fit body, speed, and strength. Christopher Carrey mentions ‘explosive endurance’ a method which many athletes use.

Federer’s other pillar was Christian Marcolli who is a psychologist and has specialized in performance psychology. Federer often used to seek her advice before matches. Christian Marcolli provided him the mental strength that he needed. She also taught him to have control over his emotions.

Federer’s wife Mirka Federer, who has also been a tennis player has always acted as Roger’s backbone. They both met at the 2000 Olympics held in Sydney. 
They are blessed with four cute children. Mirka and the children often accompany Roger on his matches. Roger has described her as a rock.

Much More than a Biography

The book clearly portrays the greatness of the Swiss master and is much more than a biography. The book portrays the journey of Roger Federer both on and off the court. And this makes it a wonderful read.

Christopher Clarey, a wonderful tennis writer has given us a deep insight into Roger Federer's life both personal and professional front. 

No one could have done it better than Christopher Clarey. The book is indeed a treat to the eyes and is way better than all the writings we have seen before.
Christopher Clarey's book provides us with information that we cannot usually find in a Google search.

Written by - Arushi Oberoi
Edited by - Krishaa Radhakrishnan