11/06/2024 - Academy Award winner Asif Kapadia and video artist Joe Sabia offer an intimate and introspective look at the final chapter in tennis champ Roger Federer's career

The Tribeca-screened sports documentary Federer: Twelve Final Days by the Academy Award-winning Asif Kapadia (Amy [+see also:
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Federer: Twelve Final Days comes on the heels of Alex Gibney's documentary series Boom! Boom!: The World vs. Boris Becker [+see also:
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While the documentary serves as a tribute to one of tennis's greats, it primarily features original material shot during the preparations for Federer's closing in-court appearance. By interspersing archival footage and never-before-seen home videos, Kapadia and Sabia minimise the use of talking-head testimonials, focusing instead on observing Federer and his authentic interactions with family, friends and fans. They capture the balance between his grandeur as a world-famous athlete and the internal struggles the tennis icon faced while addressing various personal dilemmas. The portrayal honours Federer's achievements while also highlighting the challenges he endured, particularly during his later years marked by injuries and recoveries amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Federer candidly discusses his thoughts on the future of his career, the impact of his career on his family, and the personal significance of the Laver Cup and London, chosen for his curtain call.

The decision to follow Federer during his final days as a professional player shapes the film’s structure, which crescendos emotionally while occasional snippets from his childhood and early career underline the rise of one of the greatest players and the eventual recognition of his limits. The documentary contrasts the public and private spheres of Federer's life, leaning into the latter to expose the dramatic tension and heartbreak of the end of an era that resonated globally. The directors capture moments with Federer’s peers and rivals – Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray – offering insights into the camaraderie and mutual respect that defined their rivalries. This adds to the emotional weight of him being the first of their generation to retire, while particularly touching is the bromance with “Rafa”. Their final doubles match together adds even more symbolism.

Federer: Twelve Final Days chronicles the career of a tennis titan and provides a close observation of a man's relationship with his sport, his rivals and his legacy, creating an emotional rollercoaster for fans.

Federer: Twelve Final Days was produced by Asif Kapadia and George Chignell, of Lafcadia Productions. The documentary will premiere in select theatres on 13 June and launch on 20 June exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.