Many of us aren’t avid sports enthusiasts. We find ourselves watching games only when influenced by friends, family, or captivating marketing campaigns. Personally, I often question whether investing time in watching sports outweighs pursuing my own interests like playing a sport, going for a run, reading a book, or painting. Yet, there’s an undeniable thrill in witnessing the best athletes compete against each other, offering valuable lessons through their peak performances. Watching great players is like attending an institution, teaching us about the game, teamwork, resilience, skill, and more. As spectators, we cheer for those who sweat in the arena, celebrating their moments of greatness with fervour.

But there’s more to it. Being able to recall specific games or moments grants us the coveted “bragging rights” in social settings. While topics like wine, cuisine, cars, bikes, and even Elon Musk dominate conversations, we often find ourselves engaged in lengthy discussions about social interests that hold significant importance to us.

While I acknowledge the necessity of discussing topics of mass interest for interpersonal bonding, I sometimes struggle to comprehend the excessive adulation bestowed upon others. Occasionally, I’ve experienced a sense of self-worthlessness despite the valuable lessons learned from observing exceptional athletes. However, there are exceptional individuals like Roger Federer who, through their performances and presence, inspire us to become better versions of ourselves. This article, “Discovering Federer,” pays tribute to Roger Federer as a fan’s introspection into #federerism—the virtues epitomised by Roger.

I find inspiration in various individuals, not exclusively athletes, many from a different era. My aim is to analyse their greatness and decode scientifically and statistically what makes them admirable and legendary. Is it their genes or privileges? (I hope to delve into these topics in future blog posts). Is it their struggles originating from their social class or economic circumstances? Or is it, quite simply, the result of their determination and hard work? How do these legends celebrate success and handle failure? How do they manage their practice routines and maintain their peak performance? Do they adapt as they progress, or does their purpose guide their path?

There is so much to learn from Roger Federer. He has redefined the coexistence of success and humility in competitive sports. Through this article, I attempt to decode the qualities that make Roger an enigma, hoping that we can embrace a bit of #federerism in our own pursuits.