Roger Federer is one of the most influential players to have ever stepped foot on a tennis court. It won’t be an overstatement to say that the Swiss Maestro is the idol of millions of aspiring tennis players. While he did push people to change themselves for the better, his effect did not always cause an improvement in people. Sergiy Stakhovsky, former number 33, talked about how some aspects of Federer created a negative change in players.

When people think about Federer, they remember his humble attitude, both on and off the court. Although he was being himself, Stakhovsky believes that it set a precedent for other players who chose to alter their behavior on the court and during press conferences instead of being who they were.

How the Roger Federer effect backfired

In ‘The Roger Federer Effect’, Federer’s autobiography, many players have talked about how the 20-time grand slam champion brought about a positive change in their lives. Not only did he inspire young players such as Coco Gauff, but he also pushed players that were on the circuit with him to do better. But Sergiy Stakhovsky recalls one thing that changed players for the worst.

 

Trending

‘I Was Already Salty’- Serena Williams Pokes Husband Alexis Ohanian Over His $180 Million Master-Stroke for Their Daughter Olympia

May 03, 2024 08:01 PM EDT

Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka Joins Iga Swiatek in Giving a Cold Shoulder to Coco Gauff as WTA Big 3 Debate Rages On

May 03, 2024 05:11 PM EDT

Andy Roddick Lays Bare Coco Gauff’s Issues That’s Ending Her Case as WTA Spearhead Alongside Swiatek and Sabalenka

May 03, 2024 04:57 PM EDT

How Is Aryna Sabalenka’s New Rumored Boyfriend Involved in Miami GP? Everything to Know About the $23.8 Million Connection

May 03, 2024 11:08 AM EDT

Jessica Pegula Exposes Frances Tiafoe’s Recklessness in Her Startling Confession Cart Revelation

May 03, 2024 11:09 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Stakhovsky recalled that Federer was a polite individual during interviews. While many players were polite, Federer brought a humble aspect to the pressers. He stated that his demeanor became a model for a professional athlete. It was nice to witness, but as per the Ukrainian, tennis lost its spark. 

“He had an impact in showing what professional athletes should look like, how they should behave, and carry themselves,” he said. “This is just my opinion but because of this, unfortunately tennis lost a bit of spark, and lost a lot of character.”

‘I Was Sweating..’- 27-Year-Old ATP Heartthrob Reaffirms Popular Roger Federer Myth About His Effortless Movement and Grace on a Tennis Court

Stakhovsky further said that, unlike other players, Federer was not acting like it was his actual personality. He admitted that he and the other players were copycats. 

“His kindness in his interviews, that’s genuine. That’s who he is and that’s how he was raised. Unfortunately, even including myself, I’m not going to lie, we were all kind of copycats. We all understood that’s the right thing to say, that’s how the press conference should be held.”

Although players know right from wrong, Stakhovsky believes that players do not act like themselves and instead put up a façade to come off as friendly. 

“In general, a lot of guys understood the concept of right and wrong [but] they were not who they are in a press conference. It doesn’t bother me but I think we lost a little bit of intrigue and character through this.”

Watch this story –WATCH: Roger Federer’s Security Misbehaving With F1 Legend Sir Jackie Stewart at the Miami GP

There are endless stories of Federer fans about how he pushed them to do better. He has also inspired people from other walks of life. But as much as everyone might want it to be, not all aspects of the Swiss Maestro led to the best possible changes.