Federer’s farewell is a reminder of the events and shots that make up his legacy


Federer has long worked or practiced with talented Swiss talent and intends to continue to do so in retirement, but no next-generation Swiss male star has emerged in the broad wake of Federer and compatriot Stan Wawrinka, who won three major singles titles for the time being Federer helped in 2014, to win the Davis Cup for Switzerland.

Part of the challenge of emulating Federer is that his playing style is so demanding.

“He does things that other guys just don’t want to do. He’s literally playing six inches behind the baseline against these guys who are absolutely smashing balls with these racquets and strings, and he’s picking up balls that come up, shooting them practically halfway off the baseline and still being able to control the game to control and dictate. Most guys look at it and say, ‘I could never play like that,'” Brad Stine, who coaches Tommy Paul, said in a recent interview. “I’ve sometimes described Roger as the most tenacious player in tennis because he just won’t back down. It’s really risky tennis, but his feet are so good and his eyes are so good that he just won’t give up.”

For a long time, Grigor Dimitrov was one of the few who tried to model their game on Federer’s example. But Dimitrov, 31, didn’t make the leap to major champion. Alcaraz, the Spanish prodigy, made it at the age of 19 by winning the US Open and climbing to No. 1. Federer was his biggest role model and Alcaraz’s ability to improvise across the courts, power in the next gear, fabulous movement, yen to attack the net and ability to hit winners from almost anywhere certainly feels familiar, even without a one-handed backhand and with a better drop shot.

“You have to be extremely explosive and move extremely well to be able to play Roger’s type of tennis,” said Ljubicic. “And Carlos is the first player who can even try to play like that and I’m delighted that he’s doing it because it’s spectacular, literally one highlight after another. I hope he can keep going like this even if he can’t last as long as Roger because I see a lot of people and kids are excited.

Federer’s greatest tennis legacy likely won’t be tactical or technical. After playing until he was 41 and returning to No. 1 at age 36, he has extended the timeline in men’s tennis, managing his schedule and fitness training with great forethought. He’s also set an example with his interpersonal skills, which have helped him gain (and keep) sponsors and fans worldwide.