Federer and Me: A Story of Obsession

by William Skidelsky

Overview

In this wildly entertaining and informative memoir reminiscent of Nick Hornby’s Fever Pitch—but set in the world of tennis—one man recounts his all-consuming obsession with Roger Federer and delves into the fascinating history of professional sports and fandom.

For much of the past decade, William Skidelsky has had an obsessive devotion to Roger Federer, whom he considers to be the greatest and most graceful tennis player of all time.

In this mesmerizing memoir, Skidelsky ponders what it is about the Swiss star that transfixes him and countless others. Skidelsky dissects the wonders of Federer’s forehand, reflects on his rivalry with Nadal, revels in his victories, and relives his most crushing defeats. But in charting his obsession, Skidelsky also weaves his own past into a captivating story that explores the evolution of modern tennis, the role of beauty in sports, and the psychology of fandom.

Thought-provoking and beautifully written, Federer and Me is a frank, funny, and touching account of one fan’s life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781501133947
Publisher:	Atria Books
Publication date:	05/23/2017
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	1,003,065
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

William Skidelsky has been literary editor of the Observer (UK) and the New Statesman, as well as deputy editor of Prospect magazine. He has written about tennis for the Observer, Prospect, and The Economist. He played tennis to county level as a junior and now plays at a club in southeast London, where he is first team captain. He lives in London with his wife and two children.

Table of Contents

London, Sunday, July 6, 2014 1

Chapter 1 The sporty one 10

2007-2010 36

Chapter 2 Federer and the modern game 41

2011-2013 77

Chapter 3 The curse of Nadal 81

January-May 2014 109

Chapter 4 The years between 114

Halle, Thursday, June 12, 2014 143

Halle, Friday, June 13, 2014 151

Chapter 5 The greatest match 158

Halle, Saturday, June 14, 2014 179

Halle, Sunday, June 15, 2014 191

Chapter 6 The pursuit of beauty 195

Wimbled on, Thursday, June 26-Wednesday, July 2, 2014 216

Chapter 7 A fan's life 227

Sunday, July 6, 2014 (continued) 250

Afterword 259

Acknowledgments 261

Bibliography 263

Editorial Reviews

04/04/2016
Skidelsky, formerly literary editor of the Observer and the New Statesman, wants to be the chief Fed-head, the most loyal fan of Roger Federer, whom he considers to be the greatest tennis player of all time. In this slightly frantic memoir and love letter to Federer, the British writer says he first fell in love with tennis as a child, with his father later joining him to play doubles at a local club. Skidelsky manages to toss in a few personal details about his family, love life, bouts of depression at college, and therapy sessions, but mostly he writes confidently of Federer the man and myth: his peak years of 2004 to 2006; his rivalry with Rafael Nadal in 2008–2009; his 2009 Australian win; his 2011 comeback; and his 2014 Wimbledon resurgence. In one revealing section, the often hilarious Skidelsky tries to decipher the difference between being a super fan and being completely obsessed. With his careful attention to the evolving talent of Federer and the debates around surface, rackets, strategy matches, and celebrity, Skidelsky scores. Agent: David Godwin, David Godwin Assoc. (May)

Publishers Weekly

[Skidelsky] situates the Swiss in historical context, describing him as simultaneously a throwback to traditional tennis and an avatar of modern technology and training . . . He’ll certainly get no argument from the Fed-heads when he observes that the contemporary game of relentless baseline retrieving is boring compared with their man’s graceful, instinctive construction of points.

The Washington Post

"Ralph Lister's performance of Skidelsky's quirky love letter to tennis champ Roger Federer is forceful, energetic, and captures its obsessive heart." ---AudioFile

From the Publisher

★ 03/15/2016
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. VERDICT Despite some flaws, this passionate ode to Federer—who has been called the greatest tennis player of all time—will appeal to his legions of fans. [See "Editors' Spring Picks," LJ 2/15/16, p. 33.]—Amanda Mastrull, Library Journal

Library Journal

Ralph Lister’s performance of Skidelsky’s quirky love letter to tennis champ Roger Federer is forceful, energetic, and captures its obsessive heart. Although Skidelsky sees Federer play early in his career and is impressed by his elegant game, which contrasts notably with today’s power matches, he doesn’t become a rabid fan until a few years later when he’s faced with depression. Lister brings a sensitive understanding to the author’s mental health issues—and there are lighter moments, too. Lister’s amusement at superfans is clear—one fan even meticulously plans for a child to be born on Federer’s birthday (to be named Roger). Lister’s voice is appropriately strident for Federer fans’ fury at Rafael Nadal, who for a period of time consistently beat Federer and even sapped the confidence of their idol. The nerve! A.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

JUNE 2016 - AudioFile