For millions of Roger Federer fans worldwide, September 15, 2022, marked the end of an era. On this poignant day, the tennis maestro announced his retirement through an emotional note. “Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career,” Federer disclosed, drawing the curtains on a 24-year illustrious career. It was a career that saw him lift 20 Major titles and partake in over 1500 matches, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest.
The documentary “Federer: Twelve Final Days,” directed by the acclaimed filmmakers Asif Kapadia and Joe Sabia, chronicles the last 12 days leading up to Federer’s final competitive match. This significant event saw him playing doubles alongside his arch-rival and close friend Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup in London’s O2 Arena. The filmmakers ventured into the unique domain of capturing the mindset of a sporting legend as he prepared to step onto the court one final time.
However, the documentary outcome appears rather elementary given the grandiosity of the subject. The anticipated excitement surrounding Federer’s farewell seems subdued, as the film mostly depicts the tennis superstar struggling to keep his emotions in check. There are only fleeting moments of light-heartedness and nervousness, offering a sparse look into his inner thoughts about retirement.
The early segments of the documentary predominantly focus on the challenges Federer faced due to multiple knee surgeries toward the end of his career. While this aspect is undeniably significant, the narrative doesn’t delve deeper into the complexities and nuances of Federer’s experiences. Given Kapadia’s reputation as a documentary expert, viewers might expect a richer and more profound exploration of Federer’s life and career, but the film remains confined to documenting his final days.
“Federer: Twelve Final Days” opens with an array of stunning visuals showcasing Federer’s extraordinary shots— be it his iconic tweener or those remarkable passing shots. These scenes depict his evolution from a boyish, aggressive player to a polished and versatile athlete. Yet, the film leaves us wishing for more—an insight into how Federer mastered these shots and what made him a true artistic genius on the court.
The documentary falls short of revelation, missing opportunities to unravel the enigma behind Federer’s magnetic presence and unparalleled skill. It doesn’t explore how his legendary peers or the constantly intensifying competition in men’s tennis challenged his assertion of invincibility.
. Nor does it attempt to decode his resilient mindset that powered his triumphant comebacks, including his historic achievement of becoming the oldest-ever world No.1.
Federer’s musings on the game provide moments of intrigue amidst the otherwise lackluster segments. He intriguingly compares tennis to chess, highlighting the psychological warfare between two players. Additionally, he mentions his enjoyment of outsmarting opponents at their own game, offering a glimpse into his strategic brilliance.
As the narrative shifts to the Laver Cup, the documentary sheds light on Federer’s status as an exemplary ambassador for tennis. Contemporaries and former tennis icons collectively praise Federer’s remarkable talent and contributions to the sport. In a press conference preceding the tournament, Federer reminisces about his first tennis hero, Bjorn Borg. Although initially seen as an ideal successor to the great Pete Sampras due to his grass-court dominance, Federer recalls his admiration for Borg’s skill and off-field charisma.
Unsurprisingly, the documentary’s most engaging scenes involve Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, Federer’s biggest rivals. Djokovic is depicted as the party crasher, the second guest in the Federer era, who earned his place by rectifying technical flaws and adopting a relentless spirit. Federer acknowledges his initial underestimation of Djokovic, admitting he didn’t “give enough respect” to the Serbian star in the early stages of his career.
Conversely, Federer’s relationship with Nadal is portrayed as a remarkable anomaly in the world of fierce sports rivalries. Despite their intense on-court battles, Federer views Nadal as a cherished friend, explaining why he confided his retirement decision to Nadal a full ten days before making it public. Their rivalry significantly elevated the sport of tennis, pushing both to excel.
The documentary’s emotional climax, showing Federer breaking down multiple times, is poignantly fitting without being overly sentimental. For long-time fans, witnessing the pivotal moments of Federer’s final match, the collective support from teammates, and his heartfelt words of farewell is profoundly moving.
The concluding scenes offer a nostalgic journey for Federer fans, reminiscent of the times they sacrificed sleep to witness his effortless dominance, whether through his devastating forehands, pinpoint serves, or simply the joy of hearing the umpire declare, “Game, set, and match, Roger Federer!”
“Federer: Twelve Final Days” is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, offering a final tribute to a true legend of the game.
