ESPN Magazine Article Review: Roger Federer & "The Power of Smooth"

This month's ESPN Magazine showcases Roger Federer as one who "looks the part" of world's greatest athlete, in a seven page cover piece, laced with six color photographs, by Sportswriter Tim Keown, with assistance by Shaun Assael, and Photographer Martin Schoeller.

In an intriguing article, Keown carves an analytic portrait of Federer as much more than a world-class tennis player or athlete. Federer is far closer to a master's painting or artwork. "But why?", asks Keown. This is his stab at an answer.

In Federer, there is composure, reserve, humility, grace, refinement, at one level. On another level, far more technical, there is "The Power of Smooth". Tennis historian Bud Collins put it this way: "Every time I see Roger play, I'm reminded of the novel The Unbearable Lightness of Being. The way he glides is breathtaking. We've never seen anything like it."

What is Federer's "Power of Smooth"? It's uncanny dynamic balance, metaphysical anticipation, and literally, in the view of Andre Agassi, a game of no technical weaknesses. Above all, it's an epic level of effortless maximum efficiency on the court - never a wasted move or motion. Everyone knows about a world-class pro's kinetic energy chain. But what about Federer's remarkable powers of recovery between points, which is 75% of a match? Everyone knows about a world-class pro's explosive "first step" to the ball. But what about Federer's exceptional "fast stop" or power of deceleration?

Keown's piece offers some compelling insights into the tennis superstar some consider the finest player that this sport has ever produced - and is well worth a read.

Best, Gary