Federer and me : a story of obsession

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

For much of the past decade, William Skidelsky has not been able to stop thinking about Roger Federer, the greatest and most graceful tennis player of all time. It's a devotion that has been all-consuming.

In Federer and Me , Skidelsky asks what it is about the Swiss star that transfixes him, and countless others. He dissects the wonders of his forehand, reflects on his rivalry with Nadal, revels in his victories and relives his most crushing defeats.

But this is more than just a book about Federer. In charting his obsession, Skidelsky explores the evolution of modern tennis, the role of beauty in sport and the psychology of fandom, weaving his own past into the story.

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

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

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 © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Review

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) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.