By: Andie Bradford
Everyone in this world is looking to better their own lives. We attempt to do so by finding role models that we can try to live like. Roger Federer is my role model because he has set a good example for me on how to play tennis and on how to succeed in my personal life.
On the court Roger Federer is considered by many tennis analysts and players to be the greatest tennis player of all time. In 1998, shortly before Federer turned pro he won the junior Wimbledon title and the Orange Bowl. He was recognized as the ITF World Junior Tennis champion of the year. In his professional career, he has won 16 Grand Slam singles titles, has captured the career Grand Slam with wins on three different surfaces, and has held the number 1 ATP position for a consecutive 237 weeks. He is also the only male player in the history of tennis history to have reached the title match of each Grand Slam tournament at least five times. He has textbook tennis strokes and tremendous consistency. His powerful forehand is referred to by John McEnroe as “the greatest shot in our sport”. His 2008 Wimbledon Final against Nadal is considered to be the greatest match of all time. His fame has led to their being tennis rackets named after him and tennis players everywhere dressing like him. I will be shocked if a day comes that someone could be better than Federer.
Federer’s work on the court is truly amazing, but I am even more in awe of Federer’s ability to balance his accomplishments on the court with his performance once he steps off the court. Many players let fame and fortune get into their head and they begin to behave as thought they are better than everyone else. Many famous people find themselves getting into drugs and behaving unfaithfully to their significant other. Federer has risen above many other athletes and famous people with his ability to maintain level head. Federer has a 4-time title as the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year(2005–2008). Federer respects the game and he respects his opponents. This past year, Federer was voted the second most trusted and respected human in the world, next to Nelson Mandela. His kindheartedness has gained him even more fame. Federer says that his moral system can be attributed to his parents. He was raised as a Roman Catholic and had a normal childhood and played a variety of sports. He now is married to former tennis player, Miroslava “Mirka” Vavrinec, and has twin daughters. Federer says that his wife is the reason that he succeeds. Mirka helps him manage the charities that Federer contributes to, including: his Roger Federer Foundation, Goodwill, UNICEF, and other benefit tournaments.
Role models are hard to come by today. Money and fame can bring out the worst in some people. I admire Federer for all he has done and I think that others should try to follow in his footsteps. I am happy that the tennis world can be proud of this amazing man.
Editor’s Note: 10sBalls.com received a submission from a college student showing his appreciation for Roger Federer…. Let us know what you readers think about Roger Federer too.
Topics: 10sballs.com, Andie Bradford, aureus World Sportsman, ITF World Junior Tennis champion, John Mcenroe, Nelson Mandela, Orange Bowl, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis Hero, Tennis News, Wimbledon