Federer and Me: A Story of Obsession Paperback – May 23, 2017

Must read for any Federer fan

As a tennis fan and avid Roger Federer supporter, I found this to be a wonderful read. In addition to some great observations about Federer, I also learned some fascinating details about the history of the sport. If you're looking for an easy, enjoyable read about one of the greatest athletes of our time, I highly recommend this book.

Interesting reading especially if you are a tennis fan, but a bit dull in some sections.

Perfect condition with dust cover, and a fun read besides A mix of the author's life history - mildly interesting - and his observations on the evolution of tennis in the modern era through his admiration of Fed.

Loved it and very interesting! My mom and I both read it! We are fanatic Roger fans and could definitely relate to the author!Sandra and Addie

Light entertaining read but I think I learned more about the author's private life than Federer's.

Very enjoyable book for any tennis fan!

Great reading for a Fed fan, or any tennis player.

Federer and Me starts with Skidelsky forking out big money to see Roger Federer play in a grand slam final at Centre Court at Wimbledon. He buys a ticket from a tout and his wife is not keen on the source of ticket or the high cost of the purchase. Federer and Me tells the story of his obsession with the legendary tennis player and some of the reasoning behind it all.He had loved tennis when he was younger, playing it a bit and studying the stats behind the big matches. He fell out of love with the sport when he felt it was dominated by big serves and becoming somewhat bland. This all changes when Roger Federer comes on the scene and makes the sport beautiful again. He gets a Sky subscription purely to watch Federer play on a regular basis and this gives a certain amount of continuity to his life.The book draws on David Foster Wallace’s writing on the sheer breadth of skill and ability Federer brought to the sport, with him able to do all the new things and employ the basic power as well. Skidelsky admires him for being both a modern and a classic player. Federer and Me is excellent on the concept of beauty but also gets into more technical aspects like changes in the rackets and the overall game over the years.He wonders why we attach ourselves to particular stars and delves into the qualities we see in certain people that draw us to them and not others. When he gets close to him he sees him in a different way, allowing him to appreciate that Federer is human and he’s also able to really admire what goes into each shot and what a magnificent skill it is to pull off some of the things he does. He is beside himself when he gets to ask Federer a question at a press conference.The book is very moving as Skidelsky describes the pain of losing a child. He says that watching tennis helped in some way with the healing after this. He also writes of how his tennis obsession helped him in the period where he is was coming out of depression.Federer and Me is a hugely enjoyable read that will really strike a chord with anyone that’s been obsessed by starts of sport or otherwise. He’s great at putting across the idea of different kinds of Federer, with people projecting different things onto him meaning different things to different people. It’s a searching book that puts across some of the importance characters like Federer have for people.

A rarity this - a sports book with a brain.A thoughtful examination of the best player of all time and the evolution of modern professional tennis.Highly recommended and perhaps the closest we'll ever get to the book that David Foster Wallace should have written, had he lived.

A beautifully written account of a remote love affair ... so good!

Well written book about the author's relationship with tennis and Roger Federer. There is also an interesting look at the history of tennis , and some philosophical aspects in relation to the game (maybe a bit long winded).

From the off, I must say that I have never taken to Federer - I'm a staunch Nadal (and Murray) fan - but only a fool can fail to admire his genius.This book is very well written and researched. The fan's life chapter towards the end was particularly enlightening, and whilst I obviously don't agree with the Nadal sentiments, it is understandable from a Federer fan's point of view.I found it a really enjoyable read.