It has been over two years since Roger Federer bid adieu to professional tennis at the Laver Cup. The 20-time Grand Slam champion has left an unforgettable legacy. His rivals and fans alike remember the Swiss tennis legend’s exploits both on and off the court. And as he has transitioned into a philanthropist and entered into showbiz with his upcoming docu-series ‘Federer: Twelve Final Days‘, fans are eager to relive the last few moments of his professional career again. However, in the process of his new venture, Federer has added another personality to his fan club with his boy-next-door attitude.

In a recent podcast, Sports Media with Richard Deitschut, the co-directors-Asif Kapadia and Joe Sabia- of Federer’s documentary opened up about filming with the tennis legend. While discussing the whole project from initiation to completion, Joe Sabia was particularly impressed with the Swiss maestro. Detailing the beginning, Sabia revealed how he went from enjoying Switzerland to directing Federer’s memoir, on the recommendation of the editor of Vogue, Anna Wintour.

He said, “It wasn’t until I think day two when Tony pulled me aside and he said, you know, you know the real reason why you’re here, right? And I said because I love Switzerland. And he goes, no, he goes, because Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue said that you can trust Joe with this and he’s perfect for this.”

However, at the end of the day, any strong foundation is always based on the element of trust. Certainly the former World No.1 wanted to hand over the making of his last 12 days on court to someone who would do justice. And as Roger trusted Wintour for the series, she trusted Sabia to make it happen. Trust was the basis for all in this job too. “It was just Anna who wanted Roger to have a 73-question interview. She thought he’d be great for it. Roger trusted Anna and trusted the series. But this all comes down to trust. Everything is trust here.”

Though working with celebrities is not unusual for Sabia. He has worked with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, and numerous others. However, it was Federer who made a long-lasting impression on the director and prompted him to do something he had never done! 

Joe Sabia was blown away by Roger Federer’s attitude

Federer has always been charismatic with his signature smile and easygoing attitude. And Sabia too could not escape the charm of the 20-time Grand Slam champion as Federer became the only celebrity to get a giant bear hug from the director. He further revealed, “But that doesn’t change the fact that Roger is the only celebrity I’ve ever interviewed who’smet me at first with a giant bear hug or hours after his announcement.”

What compelled Sabia to step out of his comfort zone? The Swiss maestro himself! He pulled the director aside to have some candid talks and let him get acquainted with the person he is. “We’re having some Negronies at a dinner and he pulls me aside and just talks to me about my life, wants to know about me, wants to know about my now life. Every time I see him, he asks these questions“.

With those little caring questions showcasing genuine interest in Sabia’s life, Federer conquered his heart. It’s not that other celebrities are not heartwarming, but Federer opened up from the very first moment. He said, “That’s who he is. And not to say that all those other celebrities I’ve interviewed are not like that. It’s just that Roger showed me that aspect of him. When even on a first encounter, he’s showing me that aspect of him. So I think that says a lot.”

As the much-awaited docu-series is about to hit the screens in a few days, emotions would be high not only for his fans but also for his family. Are you eager to relive Roger Federer’s last twelve days? Do let us know in the comments!