by JA Allen August 22, 2008
I have spent the last few months in Roger’s house, wandering from thread to thread, hoping to understand the mania surrounding the seemingly depleted tennis maestro in his virtual multiplex arena.
I am of course referring to the Official Website of Roger Federer @ http://www.rogerfederer.com. There abide +188,000 members of all ages from all over the world with normally less than five hundred at a time messaging online.
Intentionally anonymous they write to Roger and each other about Roger Federer, tennis, tournaments, other players and anything else they choose. It is a well-established community.
Most members are women reveling in Roger’s hair, his eyes, his lips, his body, his attire, his energy level, and his amazing smile. The conversational tone turns frenetic when discussing, dressing and undressing Roger (their adult paper doll) for the next tournament.
Frankly at times there is enough sexual energy here to launch the next space shuttle. Sometimes a quick run through the sprinkler may be required. The ladies of Roger’s house tolerate Mirka [Roger’s girlfriend] because she appears motherly toward Roger. They regard her kindness as endearing accepting her – reluctantly.
It is, however, far more than sexual attraction – these ladies adore Federer. It is akin to hero worship. He is everyman they ever wanted—kind, accomplished, warm, childlike, innocent, brave, handsome, powerful, poised, athletic, artistic – beautiful in mind, spirit and body.
Superlatives never end for all of Roger’s supporters. Within these walls they accept nothing but complete submission. No other player is allowed in Roger’s house. The Bat Man Spaniard (Nadal) and the Joker (Djokovic) are taboo—almost forbidden topics.
Members are passionate about tennis, knowledgeable and sophisticated in their analysis of most players…even though members may lash out at Nadal and Djokovic often in pure frustration. No criticism of Federer is permitted. Some analysts have become persona non-gratis like Brad Gilbert (ESPN) and John McEnroe who continue to bury Federer and not to praise him.
In order to fairly judge the competition, entering Rafael Nadal’s Website you will find approximately 25,000 members with less than 50 people actively online…not even close…yet.
Soon there will be +200,000 occupying Roger’s House – all united by this Swiss legend. He is universally loved not just for his extraordinary abilities at playing tennis – but because he is a consummate diplomat speaking for all his fellow players, representing his sport in the world-wide community and providing an example of sportsmanship and excellent behavior all find exemplary.
What is there not to love about this man? The real test comes now when he is no longer on top. Having fallen to #2---is it easier to be “nice” when the world is your oyster then when it becomes your burden?
Only Roger can answer that question. For his fans sequestered inside his online Swiss chalet Roger’s ascension to the top is not “if” but “when.” Those who doubt are banished. As their numbers swell, you have to wonder how could so many be wrong?
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