Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, inconsolable, sobbing side by side. This is undoubtedly the most poignant scene from the documentary The Last Twelve Days of Federer, available since Thursday on Prime Video.
The film offers exactly what its title suggests: a behind-the-scenes look at the 12 days leading up to the legendary tennis player’s very last career match.
The scene in question takes place at the very end of the film. The two great rivals, who have become great friends, even brothers, over the course of their reign over the world of tennis, share the court for one final time as part of the Laver Cup. After their defeat against the Tiafoe-Sock pair, the goodbyes follow. In the stands, the supporters cry, salute the Swiss star.
Federer, in tears, hugs his teammates one by one – Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
“At that moment, I understood that there were only two things that would upset me: Mirka [his wife] and the Rafa aspect,” says the new retiree in voiceover.
On the screen, Nadal appears with puffy eyes. The Spaniard’s voice is heard in turn: “There are lots of memories and emotions. The feeling, before a Grand Slam tournament final against Roger, is different. The atmosphere is different, the pressure too. Knowing that I will never experience this again… it hurts. »
It is there that the two accomplices appear side by side, their lips trembling, their breath short, their eyes full of tears, sobbing without shame, in complete vulnerability. It turns out to be very difficult to curb our own shivers…
From the recording of his retirement announcement to its broadcast, including interviews, press conferences and the preparation for his very last match, Federer takes us into his private life. In a film that does justice to his elegance, we live with him, his wife, his children, his parents – and his dog! – the emotions that run through him as the end approaches.
The winner of 20 Grand Slam tournaments often appears emotional. He also has to think twice to read certain passages of his retirement message on September 14, 2022.
Federer often admits to being stressed, as in the hours before the announcement was broadcast. We feel him anxious to warn each of his friends; he is almost worried that he has forgotten one. A reminder of his sensitivity and his humanity.
This same Djokovic is at the heart of the memories of the champion, who describes his arrival on the circuit as an undesirable thing for his supporters at the time. “Even though there was excitement about it, I wasn’t convinced. I think I didn’t give him the respect he deserves because of his technical shortcomings,” he suggests. “He’s become a monstrously incredible player. »
This same Djokovic also cries while greeting his opponent after his final match at the Laver Cup.
This documentary alone constitutes an essential sporting lesson. Proof that sport goes far beyond rivalries, rankings and trophies.
