‘Federer: Twelve Final Days’ Review: Emotionally Gripping Narrative Strictly for Roger Fans

“Well, I’m Roger Federer. I was a professional tennis player for over 24 years.” Hearing Federer say the word “was” caused the first jolt. Why wouldn’t it, despite it being common knowledge for over 21 months? That particular line in the first five minutes kick-started a series of nostalgic reflections. And that’s what Federer: Twelve Final Days essentially is all about. Asif Kapadia and Joe Sabia chronicle the Swiss maestro’s preparation, his interactions, and the calm before the emotional storm at the Laver Cup. En route, the edits, speeches, and silent flashbacks allow audiences to reflect on his emotionally gripping journey in the “game of tennis.”   

The announcement is one of the few things we knew from his final 12 days, but Federer: Twelve Final Days allows us to relive it. That video. That was where it all began. On September 14, 2022, i.e. an entire day before he dropped his announcement on Instagram, he recorded it. As he sat before the mic at a table placed right before his trophy cabinet, Federer, in an attempt to break the ice with the room, said, “Hopefully I will not be using those tissues, but I’m an emotional guy so we’ll never know.” Spoiler alert. He didn’t cry (at that time). ‌

Roger Federer’s fans’ farewell tears echoed in the Alps

Cameras then showed Roger Federer sitting with his family as he shared the video. What were you doing at that time? Did/Will you remember your emotions as you heard the words, “I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career?” Many may have been expecting a comeback. It is indeed the hope that leads to despair, and starting with the clip sets the tone quite nicely for the next 80-odd minutes. 

The overwhelming response would have been melancholy, with a sinking feeling. Even while watching the documentary, a tear would be shed at the exclusive previously unseen footage of the Federer family. These may have been prompted as they remembered a few firsts, milestones, or just relief at seeing Roger not be in pain anymore. The reactions in the room would have evoked a kaleidoscope of emotions turned inside out. So what’s new? 

Well, those not in Zurich learned the universe may have conveyed their emotions to the icon as the ‘Swiss Alps shed a tear.’ How poetic! 

Roger Federer had to balance emotions and reality

Although Roger Federer’s choice stifled any room for misinterpretation or rumors, it did not soften the blow. The documentary explains why he made the decision. It showcases an athlete’s responsibility to himself and his fans. Finding that balance is a struggle with emotions taking center stage- that was the case in 2021 with his return as a shadow of himself. Although he became the oldest Wimbledon quarter-finalist since 1968, that 6-0 drubbing in set 3 to Hubert Hurkacz must have been a reality check. 

Emotional drive may have been a thing again in 2022, especially as Federer hinted at a return during the Wimbledon Parade of Champions. He replied to John McEnroe, “I hope I can come back like you said. One more time.” He lived up to the ‘one more time’, but considering the question was about playing on Centre Court…

Roger Federer may have undergone the five stages of grief as he reflected on his career, his desires, and the realities of age. Acceptance may have prompted him to take that call. Like the player, his legions would have also experienced these five stages, with tears being a common feature across denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. But what about the tennis star himself? 

He likened the moment to the time before each match, appearing stoic on the surface. Imagine having the same question come in repeatedly with the spotlight on one individual. The moment came and went, and then realization dawned in the O2 Arena when it was all done. We did not want it to end then, and knowing how the documentary may end does not make it easier. 

Federer: Twelve Final Days is Federer’s gift to his fans

As is the hallmark of a documentary, we get clips of the subject, i.e. a reel of moments, a reflection of his greatest triumphs, his camaraderie, and the lowest of lows. Frequent voiceovers and actual lines woven into the sequence snap audiences out of any reveries they may have drifted into. Seeing him move in a particular way or hit a shot may remind you of many instances where he had done something similar.

I liked the touch where a clip showed Federer lying on the floor for his stretches, which then permits flashbacks to show him on the floor at various points in his career. It is these small things that one reflects on when something is about to end. That’s all in Federer: Twelve Final Days? But what else?

We do not get any blockbuster reveals about anything scandalous. Did we really expect anything as such? In retrospect, not really. However, the Prime Video documentary will be lapped up by Federer fans and any tennis fan. Who would have imagined Federer as someone who needs dress shirt advice? (Thank you, Bjorn, for telling Novak Djokovic about it). Did you know about Federer’s private reflections on his swansong? What happened after he left the court? We get to know that as well. 

This one is purely for the Federer fans to relive the reflection of their idol’s collection of memories, and re-live his last bow.