Roger Federer - A last legacy of inspiration!

You don’t know what you have until it’s gone!

After watching the recent Australian Open I felt a feeling of loss. I was thinking what’s missing? Something doesn't feel right.

After hours of confusion I realised what it was, Roger Federer’s absence 😭.

Men’s tennis is going through a very exciting transition with the likes of Nadal and Novak entering the twilight of their careers and the emergence of the so-called “Next Gen” players creating a real sense of drama.

But none of that could replace the class and effortless elegance Roger brought to the court. It’s safe to say I was completely gutted!

Roger’s coach Lubijic summed it up after his retirement:

‘There were many moments where I just wouldn't have anything to say because he was just perfect. Really, there were some practices that were ridiculous! I would just give him balls and just say 'you are good!'

Roger turned pro in 1998! I was born in 2005 and I first picked up a racket in 2009. So by the time I picked up a racket he was already established, had won multiple Grand Slams and was World Number 1.

I can’t remember a time without Roger Federer being at the forefront of men’s tennis!

Roger is often described as unflappable under pressure, calm and confident, and this is what inspired me most. Thinking about it, people often say that “I’m cool of temperament and never rattled” and I believe I got this watching Roger from a young age.

Hard work, determination, passion for the game are all traits I have learnt from my coaches over the years, alongside winning and losing with grace. Roger embodies these concepts too, and I consider him my ultimate role model.

As my tennis coaching apprenticeship progresses and I move toward my goal of becoming a full time coach I hope that the many attributes that I have picked up from Roger will help me to positively influence generations to follow.

That after all is Rogers true legacy.

Written by: Jack Pegden