Federer Joins Clinton, James Bond, Kanye As GQ Men Of The Year
From TennisWeek:
He’s beaten one of tennis’ toughest clay-court champions and one of the game’s greatest grass-court players in the past week and now Roger Federer is once again expanding his horizons in keeping world-class company. You can soon see the Swiss stylist sharing space with former President Bill Clinton, rapper Kanye West, candidate Ron Paul, James Bond and the Flying Tomato.
Federer joins that eclectic group as one GQ Magazine’s Men Of The Year in the new December issue of GQ. The magazine recognizes the 12-time Grand Slam champion as “Court King.” Clad in a white Armani Exchange t-shirt, a stylish Federer resembles the young Warren Beatty in the black-and-white photo shot by Liz Collins.
Hall of Famer Bjorn Borg praises Federer in the article that accompanies Federer’s photo.
“For me, watching Roger is like watching an artist,” Borg says. “Because Roger can do anything on court – behind-the-back shots, between-the-legs shots. Just the way he changes the pace: He can play slow or fast. We played together in Dubai a couple of years ago; it was a great thing just to play against each other, and hit a couple of balls. Roger won the Australian Open this year without losing a set. That’s unbelievable-to win a Grand Slam tournament without losing a set. At Wimbledon I think he has a good chance to break my record next year and win his sixth in a row; I plan to be there. I also think that Roger has a good chance to win the French Open, though Rafael Nadal is a big competitor and a challenge for Roger to beat. If he stays motivated and away from injuries he’s going to be the greatest player who ever lived.”
About time. The man needs more recognition for his balletic grace and beauty on the tennis court. Pretty easy on the eyes off the court too. Bravo, Roger. Golden Slam next year, ok?
About time. The man needs more recognition for what he has achieved in such a short time, dominating the circuit the way he does. He is beautiful to watch on court, moving with a balletic grace while packing a lethal punch. Pretty easy on the eyes off the court, too!
Power and grace — who can resist. His quiet demeanor on court adds to the mystique as no one knows what he is thinking. His post-championship loss of emotional control at the Australian Open also reveals how much pressure he has to deal with and how much the game means to him. Bravo, Roger! Keep it up — a Golden Slam awaits you next year.
About time the man got more recognition for his achievements and dominance on the tennis court. He moves with such balletic grace and beauty that he is a joy to watch. Not too hard on the eyes off the court either! The unbelievable shots he comes up with! His quiet and disciplined demeanor simply adds to the mystique and intimidation of his opponents. Yet, post-match, post-championship, his famous loss of control in Melbourne gives us an endearing glimpse of the immense pressure he plays under and what the game means to him. Bravo, Roger. Keep it up. A Golden Slam awaits you in 2008, as the records continue to fall.
Clin,
Very true.
However, don’t you think a Golden Slam in 2008 is too optimistic? (while Nadal still looms as the heavy favorite for French) I’ll be happy for Roger if he gets 2 slams next year. Any thing extra is a bonus.
Federer is a spectacular tennis player. But “resembles a young Warren Beatty”? Not in a million years does he come close to Beatty’s – as it was described then – “almost preternatural beauty”.
Federer is nice looking, but Beatty didn’t get the Hollywood nickname “Warren Beauty” for nothing…..
Jocelyn
For me Roger is way more attractive/sexy than Warren Beatty;its his whole demeanor,poise,grace,movement and manner of speaking.I find him mesmerizing to watch both on and off the court.
Actors I find similarly mesmerizing would be Gregory Peck and Russell Crowe;where you just cant take your eyes off them when they are on screen.
And by the way about time he got recognition for both his phenomenal tennis and his engaging and charming personality.