This is a book review on The Master By Christopher Clarey
While most of the books I have read this year are business focused, the most recent read was on Roger Federer. I’ve played tennis most of my life which made it a more interesting read on someone we have seen on the court so often but this book gave a more complete picture of where he came from, what he went through, and the evolution of one of the greatest players as a person, player, husband, and father. Being a tennis player is definitely not a prerequisite to reading this – no more than a book on Jordan if you can’t dunk or a book about the Andretti family if you’ve never raced Formula 1. The best of the best is always an intriguing read to see how luck, timing, circumstance, desire, family, location, and grit all come together to create one of the all-time greats.
As the author weaves through Federer’s story, he talks about some of the matches which I can still remember to this day. It is amazing how sports can tie you back to a moment in time – even 10, 15, or 20+ years later. The changing of the guard match with Sampras at Wimbledon to the Nadal match in the dark to the comeback after injury with Father Time flexing at the Australian Open. Incredible to remember the iconic wins and losses of someone that had been omnipresent in Major semifinals since the turn of the century.
As Federer moves into the post-competitive tennis phase of his life, it will be interesting to see how it plays outs. He definitely has goals and vision for himself, the family, and the tennis community.
