Asif Kapadia and Joe Sabia’s warm appreciation of the Swiss champion takes the emotional days before his retirement as its starting point
Making the very most of an exceptional degree of access and intimacy, this affecting documentary by Asif Kapadia and Joe Sabia uses the final 12 days of Roger Federer’s tennis career (the film starts with the announcement of his retirement and ends with his final game, paired in doubles with Nadal during the Laver Cup) as a jumping off point for a warm appreciation of his life and legacy. Like its subject, the film is not particularly revolutionary or groundbreaking in its approach. But again, like its subject, it is a work of unmistakable quality and class. With warm contributions from many of the greats of the men’s game – Borg, McEnroe, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic all appear – and glimpses of Federer’s family life, this will be a must-watch for tennis fans.