My Sporting Hero: Roger Federer

Almost every sportsperson who has reached the top of their field was inspired by an athlete who came before them. Often, it is one from their own sport, but sometimes that inspiration can come from an entirely different discipline. Scotland footballer Jen Beattie tells us about her sporting hero: Roger Federer.

From an early age, I have been a big tennis fan. I have always loved watching Wimbledon, and when I was growing up, Roger Federer was the men’s champion every year. He had some impressive finals--the one against Andy Roddick in 2009 in particular--but he always seemed to prevail. Federer was ridiculous at the time, winning 12 Grand Slams between 2003 and 2007. And I could just watch that backhand of his in action over and over again.

I love the way Federer carries himself on the court. His calmness is something I have always admired. In my football career, I have played in big, important matches for my club and particularly for my country. When I am walking onto a football pitch, I know I have the full team behind me. I always have ten other players who have my back to help me find solutions. Federer just has to figure them out on his own, which is very different.

There are any number of variables you can throw into the mix when examining what makes a sporting legend. A big one for me is the quality of the opponents you have to overcome. To win 20 Grand Slam titles in the arguably greatest era of men’s tennis, as well as reaching another 11 finals, marks Federer out as a legend.

After Federer won Wimbledon in 2012, the Slams started to dry up for him. He lost the 2015 U.S. Open final to Novak Djokovic. In 2016, time seemed to be catching up with him, with knee and back injuries ruining his season. At that stage, the chances of Federer returning to top form seemed remote. And yet there he was in 2017, winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and then as the defending champion in Melbourne in 2018.

That belief and confidence he must have had within himself to deep going, and even change little aspects of his game to not just prolong his career but actually improve as a player, is so impressive. Not many people look to do that when the end is in sight.

Perhaps that is a natural thing some top athletes will figure out as they go along. Federer, however, has done that on an unbelievable level. To be 40 and still able to operate at the level he is now is a testament to his greatness.

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