Roger Federer

The new Laver Cup competition is a blast, writes Tom Perrotta—but will it last beyond Roger Federer’s reign?

Roger Federer has staked his claim as the best ever, while Serena Williams is still making her bid in the women's game at age 36. But since they've done it after their careers seemed over, maybe it's wise to wait before making such declarations.

Roger Federer has a wonderful serve and all the strokes. He’s the right height, 6-foot-1, and the right weight, 187 pounds. He’s fast and light on his feet. On the court, he no longer has a weakness, now that he slugs one-handed backhands rather than slicing most of them. There’s one more essential…

In this latest micro episode, the Substandard discusses the Australian Open and the greatness of Roger Federer. Plus JVL professes his love for the Williams sisters, more Battle of the Sexes, and the time Agassi's wig almost came off.

Roger Federer, 36 years old, looked worried. After having a big lead—just three games away from winning the Australian Open—he slipped, and slipped badly. First he was tied up. Then he fell behind. Then, improbably, Marin Cilic won the fourth set.

The Australian Open, like the rest of the Slams, has its own character. The temperatures often transition rapidly from hot days to cool nights. The fans are festive and loud, and cheer from close seats in tight stadiums that are even noisier if the roof closes. And then there’s the attitude of the…

The Australian Open starts on Monday and we’ll have coverage of the tournament throughout the fortnight from my favorite tennis writer, Tom Perrotta.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will always have London and Sydney and yes, even Paris. But in 2017, and likely forever, they won’t have their long-awaited clash in Queens.

I’ve accepted it—it’s not going to happen at the U.S. Open. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will never meet in the final there. I had hoped there would be a chance this season, but now that the draw is out, the best they can do is the semifinals.

It’s a fallacy that young professional tennis talents struggle with pressure and nerves more than experienced players. Most of the gifted teens have mental advantages. They have skills and power, and know that they no one expects them to beat high-ranked players in top tournaments. Rather than…

In July 2016, Roger Federer looked like he might be calling time on his illustrious career. He was 34, old for an athlete and especially so for tennis, a game in which Federer was at his best in his mid- to late 20s. His knee gave out on him in the semifinals of Wimbledon, and he announced that he…

In July 2016, Roger Federer looked like he might be calling time on his illustrious career. He was 34, old for an athlete and especially so for tennis, a game in which Federer was at his best in his mid- to late 20s. His knee gave out on him in the semifinals of Wimbledon, and he announced that he…

Wimbledon, England

Wimbledon, England

Wimbledon, England

Don't blame Roger Federer for being nervous on Tuesday against Dusan Lajovic, a low-ranked player. This was week one at Wimbledon, a period that usually feels like a vacation for Federer, who has won this title seven times, tied for the most in history. Not this year. Federer, who has lost just two…

After a few months off and a shaky start, Roger Federer looks ready to swing and glide on the grass courts of Wimbledon. He’ll need every talent he can muster to win a title that almost always makes a veteran fail.

On Sunday afternoon Rafa Nadal won his 10th French Open. It is difficult to overstate how impressive this achievement is.

In the pre-dawn hours (stateside) on Sunday January 29, arguably the two greatest players in tennis history will take the court in the Australian Open final. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the only two men to have claimed at least 14 grand slam singles titles while winning each of the four slams,…

Roger Federer is one of the most gracious and likable athletes to have performed before mass audiences. He is a paragon of sportsmanship: polite toward his opponents, respectful of officials, joyous but self-effacing in victory, disappointed but complimentary in rare defeat. We come to root for…