Why I'm Proud to be a FED Fanatic!

While doing yardwork in 900 degree temps after watching the 2011 French Open final, I thought about how I came to be such a FED fanatic...I quickly came up with my answer: FED IS THE TOTAL PACKAGE! I think back to other athletes who've caught my eye over the years and two names come to mind: 1) Michael Jordan, whose unbelievable work ethic and commitment to excellence totally fascinated me and 2) Andre Agassi, whose combination of pushing the limits and charismatic personality definitely intrigued me. But I was just getting warmed up with those two :) because being a FED fanatic goes way, way beyond that. I've often said that FED's my favorite tennis player AND my favorite human being...and here's why: the qualities he demonstrates so beautifully (on the tennis court) are the exactly the ones I strive to attain (in my life)! Let me list the top 3:

HE'S DETERMINED: "I wasn't lying on the beach,' said Federer after the match. "I continue to make sacrifices and, when it really counts, I'm at the big occasion... because I never stop believing." Too many people act like the world owes them something. They simply sit back and wait for someone to give it to them and when they don't get it, they blame anyone and everyone because "they were dealt a bad hand." Something wrong ain't right about that! Nobody gives you anything in this world and if you want it, you better go out and get it for yourself. I admire Roger because he always puts in the hard work required to earn every single speck of what he has.

HE'S GRACIOUS: At #1 in the world, he still remembers this fundamental truth: "It's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice." He is always mindful, even during difficult moments following a defeat, of how important it is to treat his opponent, the officials, and the game of tennis with respect. Too many people behave poorly, throw embarrassing temper tantrums, and worse when things don't go their way. I admire Roger because he understands how important it is to win with class and to lose with grace.

HE'S CARING: Roger's entire world was dramatically changed when he became a father. Many wondered if he'd ever play tennis again and as he adjusted to his new reality, he could have retreated into the privacy of his own world (isn't that the norm for so many today's celebrities and otherwise famous people? I think Lleyton Hewitt even charged people $2 to learn the name of his baby?!?) Instead, Roger seemed to almost burst with pride as he debuted his 3 week old "baby twins" and said "This is the greatest day of our lives!" What a touching sentiment to share with the world. We can't change the past and we can't predict the future...We can only enjoy the gift of today (the present). I admire Roger because even when he doesn't have to, he shows us how much he cares.

I've given my TOP THREE REASONS and I could probably go on (SMILE) but you're probably sick of reading so I think I'll leave it there. Notice I haven't really even mentioned his extraordinary tennis talents (not to mention the fact that he's pretty easy on the eyes, LOL). Those are both totally true, but I am a FED fanatic because he is the TOTAL PACKAGE. Roger Federer-my man, my champion, my hero---he is all of that and more. For him (and him only), I will gladly arrange my life whenever possible to watch him play tennis on TV and seeing him play tennis in person at the 2010 US OPEN was a dream come true! LONG LIVE THE FED!!!