Share

cover art for The Roger Federer Story - A Tennis Podcast Special

The Tennis Podcast

The Roger Federer Story - A Tennis Podcast Special

We know about the 19 Grand Slam singles titles, the 302 weeks at World No.1, the incredible comeback to win an 8th Wimbledon title at the age of nearly 36.

But where did it all start for Roger Federer? Where did he make his professional debut? What was he like as a teenager? Is it true that he had a bad temper? And were there really doubts about whether he would deliver on his talent?

In a special edition of The Tennis Podcast, The Roger Federer Story is told through the eyes of BBC 5 Live commentator and Tennis Podcast presenter David Law, who met Federer for the first time the day before his professional debut as a 16-year-old in Gstaad, Switzerland in 1998. 

In his role as Communications Manager on the ATP World Tour, Law worked behind the scenes with Federer for four years, and remembers Federer’s growing pains as he went from boy to man with the eyes of the world waiting for him to fulfil his potential.

We learn of his struggle to come to terms with the death of his first coach Peter Carter in a tragic car accident, and hear from Federer himself in a BBC 5 Live interview with Law less than an hour after his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003. The ‘Federer Years’ of domination are covered, as are the threats to his throne from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, the moments in 2013 when Law thought Federer was finished, and the comeback that made all those writing him off look stupid. Law and co-host Catherine Whitaker also delve into the debate as to whether Federer should be considered the greatest male tennis player of all time.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 1347. The Backhand delivers; Fonseca - the future, and the present?

    01:09:37||Ep. 1347
    Catherine, David and Matt are back already, this time to discuss an exciting week of action on the court, headlined by titles for Amanda Anisimova and Joao Fonseca. Part one - WTA Doha Review. Matt gets his chance to wax lyrical about Amanda Anisimova and THAT backhand winning the biggest title of her career, and we wonder what it might mean for her career. Plus, Jelena Ostapenko improves her record against Iga Swiatek to 5-0! And early losses for Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka. Part two (from 30m04s) - ATP Results. Fonseca's special week in Buenos Aires, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina's brutal loss to Miomir Kecmamovic in Delray Beach, and of course Ugo Humbert wins indoors in France. Part three (from 54m51s) - A look ahead to this week with the WTA 1000 event in Dubai and two ATP 500s in Doha and Rio. Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts, including Tennis Re-Lived episodes, Grand Slam Review Shows, and monthly Live Shows on YouTube. Friends also get access to The Barge, Hannah’s Column, and an ad-free listening experience to all episodes of The Tennis Podcast. Talk tennis with Friends on The Barge! Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our Shop - We have recently launched a range of caps!
  • 1346. Sinner’s convenient ban, Vukov’s suspension and Mixed Doubles madness

    01:07:34||Ep. 1346
    It's been a big week of news in tennis so Catherine, David and Matt convene to cover and react to it all. Part one - World number one Jannik Sinner banned for three months after reaching a settlement with WADA. Part two (from 37m24s) - WTA suspends Elena Rybakina's coach, Stefano Vukov, for a year. Part three (from 47m53s) - US Open announces drastic change to its mixed doubles event. Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts, including Tennis Re-Lived episodes, Grand Slam Review Shows, and monthly Live Shows on YouTube. Friends also get access to The Barge, Hannah’s Column, and an ad-free listening experience to all episodes of The Tennis Podcast. Talk tennis with Friends on The Barge! Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our Shop - We have just launched a range of caps!
  • 1345. Alcaraz is back, Shapovalov & Bencic send reminders, and how to remember Simona Halep?

    01:17:05||Ep. 1345
    Catherine, David and Matt discuss a busy week of news, comebacks, thrilling matches, and nasal strips in the tennis world. Part one - Simona Halep announces her retirement. How will she be remembered in the sport? Plus, David’s takes on Anastasia Potapova who won the title in Cluj-Napoca. Part two (from 21m42s) - Belinda Bencic wins Abu Dhabi, watched on by daughter Bella. Carlos Alcaraz win his first indoor title, beating Alex de Minaur in Rotterdam. And Denis Shapovalov wins the biggest title of his career, but what does it mean?! Part three (from 1h01m12s) - A look ahead to this week’s tennis, headlined by the WTA 1000 event in Doha. Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts, including Tennis Re-Lived episodes, Grand Slam Review Shows, and monthly Live Shows on YouTube. Friends also get access to The Barge, Hannah’s Column, and an ad-free listening experience to all episodes of The Tennis Podcast. Talk tennis with Friends on The Barge! Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our Shop - We have just launched a range of caps!
  • 1344. Davis Cup is alive! (if you can find it)

    01:22:06||Ep. 1344
    Catherine, David and Matt convene to round up everything that’s happened in tennis since returning from the Australian Open in Melbourne. Part one - Davis Cup Qualifiers including an impressive comeback from Denmark to beat Serbia, huge drama in the Belgium vs Chile tie, aggro involving Arthur Fils and Thiago Seyboth Wild, and disappointment for Great Britain. Plus, titles for Felix Auger-Aliassime, Ekaterina Alexandrova and Elise Mertens on tour. Part two (from 43m25s) - News round up. US Open to start on a Sunday, Elena Rybakina begins working with a new coach, Daniil Medvedev splits from Gilles Simon, a costly development for UK tennis viewers, and Jannik Sinner enters his vlogger era. Part three (from 1h08m36s) - A look ahead to this week’s action. Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts, including Tennis Re-Lived episodes, Grand Slam Review Shows, and monthly Live Shows on YouTube. Friends also get access to The Barge, Hannah’s Column, and an ad-free listening experience to all episodes of The Tennis Podcast. Talk tennis with Friends on The Barge! Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our Shop - We have just launched a range of caps!
  • 1343. Aus Open Day 15 - Sinner secures third Slam; Zverev protester’s voice is heard

    01:07:14||Ep. 1343
    Catherine, David and Matt react to Jannik Sinner defending his Australian Open title with a straight sets victory over Alexander Zverev. Part one - Sinner’s dominance in the final, a poor performance from Zverev, what the future might hold for both players. Part two (from 39m13s) - Zverev heckled over domestic abuse allegations.Part three (from 46m41s) - Women’s and men’s doubles finals and tournament reflections. The Tennis Podcast during the Australian Open will be brought to you by Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours, your gateway to premium tennis events worldwide. Check out what they have to offer, including discounts on trips to Roland Garros and the Laver Cup, go to Tours4Tennis.com/Podcast.Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts, including Tennis Re-Lived episodes, Grand Slam Review Shows, and monthly Live Shows on YouTube. Friends also get access to The Barge, Hannah’s Column, and an ad-free listening experience to all episodes of The Tennis Podcast. Talk tennis with Friends on The Barge! Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our Shop - We have just launched a range of caps!
  • 1342. Aus Open Day 14 - Madison's moment

    01:00:23||Ep. 1342
    Catherine, David and Matt discuss how Madison Keys became a Grand Slam champion for the first time, beating Aryna Sabalenka in a compelling and thrilling final at Melbourne Park. Part one - How the women’s final was won and lost, Keys' fast start and boldness in the big moments, how Sabalenka handled a tough night, and Keys explains the importance of therapy in her life. Part two (from 38m55s) - Results round up including victory for Alfie Hewett. The men’s doubles final will be covered in tomorrow’s show. Part three (from 43m25s) - Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev preview and predictions The Tennis Podcast during the Australian Open will be brought to you by Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours, your gateway to premium tennis events worldwide. Check out what they have to offer, including discounts on trips to Roland Garros and the Laver Cup, go to Tours4Tennis.com/Podcast.Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts, including Tennis Re-Lived episodes, Grand Slam Review Shows, and monthly Live Shows on YouTube. Friends also get access to The Barge, Hannah’s Column, and an ad-free listening experience to all episodes of The Tennis Podcast. Talk tennis with Friends on The Barge! Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our Shop - We have just launched a range of caps!
  • 1341. Aus Open Day 13 - Djokovic hits wall, Sinner cramp question mark, Sabalenka-Keys preview

    57:54||Ep. 1341
    Catherine, David and Matt wrap up men’s semi-finals day as Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev booked a Sunday showdown. Part one - Djokovic retires against Zverev, what does the future hold for him? Part two (from 19m36s) - Sinner overcomes Shelton…and cramps Part three (from 35m46s) - Results round up and Sabalenka vs Keys final preview The Tennis Podcast during the Australian Open will be brought to you by Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours, your gateway to premium tennis events worldwide. Check out what they have to offer, including discounts on trips to Roland Garros and the Laver Cup, go to Tours4Tennis.com/Podcast.Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts, including Tennis Re-Lived episodes, Grand Slam Review Shows, and monthly Live Shows on YouTube. Friends also get access to The Barge, Hannah’s Column, and an ad-free listening experience to all episodes of The Tennis Podcast. Talk tennis with Friends on The Barge! Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our Shop - We have just launched a range of caps!
  • 1340. Aus Open Day 12 - Major Keys stuns Swiatek

    01:04:45||Ep. 1340
    Catherine, David and Matt recap an extraordinary women's semi-final night as Madison Keys stunned Iga Swiatek in a thriller to set up a final against Aryna Sabalenka. Part one - Keys’ extraordinary win over Swiatek Part two (from 25m46s) - Sabalenka finds her peak to beat Paula Badosa Part three (from 43m37s) - Men’s semi finals preview The Tennis Podcast during the Australian Open will be brought to you by Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours, your gateway to premium tennis events worldwide. Check out what they have to offer, including discounts on trips to Roland Garros and the Laver Cup, go to Tours4Tennis.com/Podcast.Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts, including Tennis Re-Lived episodes, Grand Slam Review Shows, and monthly Live Shows on YouTube. Friends also get access to The Barge, Hannah’s Column, and an ad-free listening experience to all episodes of The Tennis Podcast. Talk tennis with Friends on The Barge! Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our Shop - We have just launched a range of caps!
  • 1339. Aus Open Day 11 - Sizzling semis set

    59:10||Ep. 1339
    Catherine, David and Matt wrap up Day 11 at the Australian Open as the singles semi-final line-ups were completed. Part one - Women’s Results. Swiatek keeps up incredible form to beat Navarro and set up semi-final clash with Keys. Double bounce controversy.  Part two (from 26m15s) - Men’s Results. Sinner demolishes De Minaur yet again, Shelton fights past Sonego in an entertaining match. Part three (from 41m51s) - Ben Shelton calls out the broadcasters and on court interviews, plus women’s semi-finals preview. The Tennis Podcast during the Australian Open will be brought to you by Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours, your gateway to premium tennis events worldwide. Check out what they have to offer, including discounts on trips to Roland Garros and the Laver Cup, go to Tours4Tennis.com/Podcast.Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts, including Tennis Re-Lived episodes, Grand Slam Review Shows, and monthly Live Shows on YouTube. Friends also get access to The Barge, Hannah’s Column, and an ad-free listening experience to all episodes of The Tennis Podcast. Talk tennis with Friends on The Barge! Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our Shop - We have just launched a range of caps!