When you think of athletes, beauty is not typically something that comes to mind. However, in the case of Roger Federer, beauty is often one of his most noticeable attributes. Almost anyone who has access to media knows who Roger Federer is. He’s that tennis player, right? To fans of the sport, he is much more than just a tennis player. He is the player who has the most Grand Slam singles titles and the record for the most weeks as the number one player in the world. He constantly stuns audiences and sets records, and he does it with beauty.

 

Federer’s game can be described as beautiful, mesmerizing, and classy. It all begins when he emerges from the tunnel in his signature RF blazer, as he waves to the crowd and gives one of his famous Federer smirks. Thousands of fans spend their paychecks on tickets to see the Switzerland native in person, while millions of others tune into ESPN to watch him on television. It is one thing to watch him duel with a competitor on television, but it is entirely different when you are up close to the superstar in person. When he is a few feet in front of you, you can see the sweat dripping from his brow, the fuzz flying off of the tennis ball, and his lips moving as he murmurs something in German between points. Witnessing the genius at work up close makes you feel as though you know him. You want him to win and you cheer on Roger, your friend.

 

He manages to remain cool, calm, and collected throughout every match. Many players argue with the judges, destroy racquets out of frustration, or curse in their native languages. Not Federer. He never appears angry, frustrated, or even out of breath. In the best shape of his life at age 34, he can outrun and outperform the rookies beginning their tennis careers in their teens.

 

Watching him play is breathtaking because it is like nothing you have ever seen before. His style of play contains so much beauty. No player executes the game like Federer, except Federer. He stuns the entire crowd every time he sends one of his famous “tweeners” between his legs, whizzing over the net onto his opponent’s side of the court. His flawless one-handed backhand continually draws “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience. He stares down his challenger across the net as he tosses the ball high above him and sends it speeding into action. Quick stepping with his feet and he is on his way as he sets himself up for the next shot. Federer covers the court with impeccable swiftness as he smashes a winning forehand down-the-line at his opponent. He is a true artist on the court.

 

Always courteous to his rivals after he triumphs, he shakes their hand and pats their back while offering kind words of encouragement. Even after a brutal defeat, which is a rare occurrence, he still signs autographs for dedicated fans who paid thousands of dollars to see him. Hundreds of screaming fans reaching across the guard rails with tennis balls and hats, hoping to get a sloppily scribbled autograph from the number three player in the world. I was once one of those screaming tennis enthusiasts yelling for Roger to look my way. He stopped for me. He gladly signed my tennis ball, posed for a selfie, and continued on his way to the next adoring fan.

 

Federer plays so beautifully and gracefully in the game, and he continues to carry himself with class and sincerity off of the court. He has encouraged and inspired millions of people around the world through his passion for the sport. The combination of his genuine personality and focused mindset make him the greatest athlete in the world.