Roger Federer is a chameleon, he adapts to the situation he is in: Tennis writer Christopher Clarey
Roger Federer is one of the greatest players of all time. He is revered for his exploits on the court and the way he has conducted himself off the court.
One person who has followed him closely throughout his illustrious career is Christopher Clarey, who has written two books about the Swiss. In an interview with Tennis Deutschland, Clarey spoke about how far Federer has come in his career and how the success he has achieved hasn't changed the person that he is.
"I don't presume to know how he developed personally. I'm not his friend, not a family member. An interview is an interview. Here he is very pleasant, very open. He hasn't changed at all in certain areas - even if he has become a billionaire in the meantime (laughs). He always asks questions. My first conversation in 2001 was less of an interview and more of a conversation. And in 2019, the last time I spoke to him, it was the same," Clarey said.
Clarey also spoke about how the Federer we see on television is different to the one that interacts with people. According to the writer, the Swiss is more grounded and humble when it comes to private interactions.
"What has changed is of course his knowledge, in general, but also about tennis history. His sense of humor is also often underestimated, he always cracks a joke and likes to laugh. In conversation, he doesn't come across as elegant as in advertising, more like a normal person. He's a warm guy," he added.
Clarey also spoke highly of the way Federer adapts to situations seamlessly. The American highlighted how the Swiss always conducts himself in a proper manner despite having so many commitments to various individuals.
"And a chameleon: It adapts to the situation it is in. With sponsors it goes one way, with his colleagues in the changing room the other, he jokes around. And towards journalists he is very thoughtful. His mother is South African, his father Swiss, he is just a very adaptable person," Clarey added.
Absoluter Lesetipp, das Buch von @christophclarey! Habe mit ihm über seine Federer-Begegnungen und den "late dip" bei Federers Vorhand gesprochen. tennisnet.com/news/federer-b…
"I think he expects to have another chance" - Clarey on Roger Federer's Grand Slam prospects
The question we all want to know regarding Roger Federer is whether he can win another Grand Slam in his career before calling it a day. He has had three surgeries on his knee over an 18-month span that have halted his chances of winning another Major.
According to Christopher Clarey, Roger Federer believes he can win another Major after coming so close at the 2019 Wimbledon. For reference, the Swiss had two championship points against Novak Djokovic in the final but ended up losing a deciding-set tie-break.
"When Roger was last healthy, he was only one point away from winning Wimbledon – one point! I think he expects to have another good chance. Sure, on paper it didn't look bad in 2021, he was in the quarterfinals at the age of 39," Clarey said. Personally, I don't think he'll get any further than before, I think there are too many players in the way. But why should Roger think so?"
A moment I won't forget. The Master, my brand new book on Federer and this golden age in men's tennis, is a New York Times bestseller.
Trying to play it cool (and failing). Thanks to all of you for your interest and support. https://t.co/2qeQBXUjgJ
Roger Federer has confirmed his participation at the 2022 Laver Cup, which is scheduled to take place towards the end of September. Whether that will be his first appearance on tour this year is unknown. There has been speculation about him potentially making a return ahead of Wimbledon, although that seems unlikely.