Roger Federer – Phenomenon. Enthusiast. Philanthropist
Swiss Journalist Simon Graf's book is now available in English
Last week Simon Graf emailed me with a copy of his book Roger Federer – Phenomenon. Enthusiast. Philanthropist and to let me know it was available in English.
Previously the book was a bestseller in Switzerland and due to its popularity has been translated from the original German into English. It is now available on Amazon.
Graf writes for the Tages-Anzeiger and over the years he has held countless interviews with Federer and people close to him.
As a result, he’s got to know Federer quite well and this new book is a series of 16 short essays which aim to answer how did Federer become a master of the courts? What part did his parents and his wife Mirka have to play? How did he maintain his love for the sport over all these years? Why does he owe eternal thanks to his rival, Rafael Nadal? How did he stay so normal? And what can we learn from him?
I’m about a third of the way through the book and it’s been a good read. I would say the super fans will already know many of the anecdotes shared but so far I’ve enjoyed it and I’m not an avid reader at all. It’s well laid out and easy to read in short stints.
Have any of you already read the book? If so let me know your thoughts on it in the comments.
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Thanks for sharing Jonathan! I’ll try to read the book.
Cool, let us know if you do…
Yes, I have just finished the book. It’s an easy read but to be honest it doesn’t bring much news. That’s where I was a bit disappointed. If you are a diehard Federer fan like me you already most of the anecdotes. But still a good read.
I guess you can’t really write a book for the super fans though as you will turn off a huge audience. So I think for the casual fan or tennis fan who likes Roger but not to the extreme will learn quite a bit.
I will give my verdict when I’ve finished it.
Go Roger!
First!
Many thanks Jonathan !
Actually, the new Stauffer biography is higher on my list 🙂
Are you waiting for the English translation?
Rene has just endorsed this new book on twitter so I guess there is space for them both 🙂
Is there a translation coming out? I know Chris Bowers was a bit disappointed with the previous one (the “Genius” one, struggling to remember the title).
Thanks. Love both of those photos!
Thanks I always enjoy a fresh perspective even if I know some of it ! Is that the Simon who sometimes comments on here ?
Anyway congrats on being the conduit Jonathan & giving feedback …Roger is endlessly fascinating !
Poor guys trying to make money by writing about Fed.
Jonathan, you could compile a book from your articles and this one I probably would read. No chance I read books titled like that, He is still playing tennis. Let’s wait until his racket stoops to hit 🙂
Aha, I agree on Jonathan’s book, though.
Why did you read Günter Bresnik’s book while Thiem is still playing?
Your point would hold weight if it was an autobiography and I’d agree. But it’s not. it’s a biography
Bresnik’s book is about his method to create a world class player from a passionate but not especially gifted boy. I don’t expect more books about him.
Bresnik’s book is not about Thiem doing anything but about specific training methods and a kind of “philosophy” . If someone writes another book befor Thiem retires, I will not read it. I know everything I need, following his matches, reading comments of experts a.s.o.
What is published now about Fed is apologetics. Will be interesting after he retires or even later. For those who could not see him playing.
If there is a book about Fed’s times with Carter, I would like to read it.
But it’s up to everyone’s taste, right?
Actually, I’m with Alison. Waiting for English translation 🙂
Actually, I’ve got an Amazon.de gift card and was wondering what to spend it on …
In case you guys haven’t read or seen.
-Roger Federer: The power and presence of the $120 million man by Ravi Ubha
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/27/tennis/federer-wimbledon-roddick-cahill-tennis-open-court-intl-spt/index.html
– Roger Federer. Lifelong learning by Credit Suisse
https://youtu.be/9Cm6r7x8440
Ah, did I put a link which I shouldn’t, Jonathan? (my comment is awaiting moderation…)
I guess, you put 2 so you are suspect to be spamer 😉 If you post 1 link in a post, you must not wait 🙂 But I see, your post was positively confirmed and is visible 🙂
Hey guys, what’s up? It’s a brand new day…. so… who will blame Roger for exactly what today? 🙂 Nah… kidding
Draw coming out soon…. Hope Roger gets a good one…. so lets do it and lets go… to number 21 🙂
Fed has a cakewalk until QF, where he meets Nadal/Thiem/xxx
Due to Wijbledong seeding rules, Theim has to beat all Big3 in a row (to win the crown) – Nadal>Federer>Djokovic. But I like it – what a weight would have such victory 🙂
But I will be happy with him reaching QF to play Nadal on grass for the first time. Would be his first QF in Wimb ledon.
I am going order from Amazon US as it is not available in India. It is showing delivery date as mid-August. I will read and share my thoughts.