Personality matters. Even among the crème-de-la-crème of elite athletes, a sparkling personality can sometimes mean the difference between being ‘merely’ famous and being a super star. Just ask Stan Wawrinka. Or perhaps, his more illustrious compatriot, Roger Federer who has this personality thing, pat, down to an art.
As the 36-year-old Federer registered a straight-set victory over Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the third round of the ongoing Australian Open, one particularly emotional Twitter user described him as the ‘evangelist’ tennis desperately needs. (I’m not entirely sure if tennis needs an evangelist – it seems to be doing perfectly well on the popularity charts – but that’s not the point here). The hyperbolic praise was in fact, in response to this delightful post match interview conducted by Jim Courier, rather than the engaging yet emphatic demolition of Gasquet.
Wound up from the match, Federer tied himself into knots during what should have been a straightforward answer and Courier, quick-witted as always, made a crack about the ‘mediocre answer, but great match’.
The interview then progressed to hilarious, as the 1992 Aussie Open champion asked the reigning champion to display the ‘smoldering intensity’ that he’s been discussing with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson recently.
Federer protested, saying it was difficult to produce the ‘smolder’ on demand. And then proceeded to, well, smolder on demand. The crowd broke into rapturous laughter, much like the rest of us millions watching on television at home.
It’s difficult not to like Roger Federer. I do know a handful of (very strange) people who actively dislike him but such critics are rare. In addition to his unparalleled career and majestic style of play, the G.O.A.T has a genuine affability that shows through in interviews, press conferences and on social media channels. It would be naive to think that at least some of this is not manufactured, but the truth is that Roger Federer is becoming increasingly funnier, open and real in his public interactions, as time progresses. No wonder this star is not waning just yet, at an age when most pros are long retired. (Yes of course the incredible 2017 season with two Grand Slam titles also helps.)
As for the inimitable Jim Courier, he is by far the best post-match interviewer ever in tennis broadcast. Not many may remember him for his ‘personality’, as he spent much of his career playing second fiddle to Pete Sampras, but he was after all the guy who celebrated his 1992 triumph in Melbourne by jumping into the Yarra river. No boring, Ordinary Joe does that. He was also the guy who distributed a sack-load of Ferrero Rochers among ballboys and ballgirls after winning the Salem Open in Hong Kong the very same year. Trust me, I know, because I was among those gawky, overawed, teenaged recipients. Jim Courier is a nice guy and it shines through. Roger Federer is also a nice guy and it only adds to his legendary stature.
Personality is great for sport, good guys with personality are even better. Nick Kyrgios is learning that too. The mercurial Aussie has thus far been known more for his violent outbursts, clashes with umpires and obscene remarks about his opponents’ girlfriends, than for his tennis. But all of a sudden, the only thing anyone seems to be talking about right now is this heartwarming post-match interaction after he defeated childhood hero Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a tense four setter. So overjoyed are the Australians at what seems to be the slightest possibility of Kyrgios turning over a new leaf that sports journalists are compelled to post things like this.
Everyone loves a bit of heart. A showman is entertainment, but a showman with a good heart is a star. Jerry Maguire, knew this back in 1996. When Cuba Gooding Jr’s character Rod Tidwell says “Show me the money!”, Tom Cruise tells him ‘show me some heart’ and the money will follow.