Federer: Twelve Final Days Review : A teary-eyed account of Roger Federer's final days on the court

Story: ‘Federer: Twelve Final Days’ chronicles the period from Roger Federer's retirement announcement to his final doubles match with his friend Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup in London, spanning twelve days.

Review: Be prepared to shed buckets of tears during the final thirty minutes of 'Federer: Twelve Final Days.' Directed by documentary filmmakers Asif Kapadia and Joe Sabia, this film is sure to bring a lump to the throat of every Roger Federer fan. It's emotional and moving, showcasing the remarkable man who, beyond being a consummate gentleman, ended his career as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. This sports documentary is a must-watch for diehard Roger Federer fans, offering insight into what made Federer the best in the world. Despite the deviation, this film stays true to its core focus, detailing the twelve days from his retirement announcement to his final match at the Laver Cup. However, while it has many strengths, it also leaves some questions about the man unanswered.

The documentary begins with Roger Federer recording his retirement announcement, a video set to be posted on his social media platforms a few days later. As he nears the end of his speech, he is overwhelmed with emotion, choking up and eventually unable to continue. His wife, children, parents, coach, and close friends are all present, making the moment deeply emotional for the entire family. The realization soon hits Federer that he has only twelve days left before his final match. What follows is an account of these twelve days, filled with a spectrum of emotions. The documentary also explores Federer's unique bond with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Contrary to the perception of a cutthroat rivalry, Federer shared a deep friendship with Nadal and a warm, jovial relationship with Djokovic. Aided by never-before-seen footage from the dressing room and Federer's home, along with insights into his relationships with his parents and his steadfast wife, this documentary offers an intimate viewing experience.

The documentary successfully highlights the 'gentlemanly' side of Federer. Even in the most challenging situations, he never lost his composure, maintaining a humble and cheerful attitude throughout his illustrious career. The film is also sprinkled with interesting anecdotes. One particularly amusing sequence features Djokovic informing Federer, Nadal, Murray, Borg, and John McEnroe just before a party that they had all been wearing the wrong white shirt with their tuxedos. Federer's immediate dash to the dressing room to change his shirt adds a touch of humour to the narrative.

The heart of the documentary lies in the final thirty minutes. Federer's last doubles match alongside Nadal was a nearly see-saw battle, giving hope that he would end his career on a high note. Attended by numerous celebrities, the match concluded with everyone in tears. Even more poignant are the moments when fellow European team players, including Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray, reflect on their association with Federer. Nadal, nearly choked with emotion, struggles with the reality that he will no longer compete against his best friend in tournaments.

Although the documentary makers were granted access to capture Federer and his family, it is evident that the portrayal is carefully guarded. At one point, we learn that Federer briefly considered adopting a ‘bad guy’ persona on the court but quickly abandoned the idea as it wasn't true to his nature. It would have been intriguing if the documentary had delved deeper into the forces that prompted this contemplation. While this documentary will be a great watch for Federer's fans, others may be left with unanswered questions.