On tennis and writing: how to channel your inner Federer
The crack in everything
As I look back on 2023, my heart is heavy. Last year saw terrible chaos and tragedy around the world. While there is no shortage of human suffering and devastating events, the truth remains that there is always beauty in the world. Beauty is stubborn and persistent, and can emerge in the unlikeliest of places. Leonard Cohen aptly described this phenomenon in his song, “Anthem”: “There is a crack in everything, that’s where the light gets in.”
I’m fortunate to have experienced this light many times throughout my life. I’ve swam with giant sea turtles in Maui. Been dazzled by the spectacular sunsets of Bali. Stood, awestruck, at the steps of the Taj Mahal. And as I reflect on these moments, another great thing of beauty comes to mind: Roger Federer. I never had the opportunity to see him play live, but that does not seem to have lessened my appreciation of the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
Federer, who retired in 2022 after a 24-year career, was known to glide across the tennis court with the elegance of a dancer, and to eviscerate his opponents with the force of a boxer. David Foster Wallace managed to capture Federer’s majesty in his 2006 New York Times profile:
Almost anyone who loves tennis and follows the men’s tour on television has, over the last few years, had what might be termed Federer Moments. These are times, as you watch the young Swiss play, when the jaw drops and eyes protrude and sounds are made that bring spouses in from other rooms to see if you’re O.K.
Federer had a distinctive style of play: quick, strategic, and precise. Wallace described his forehand as “a great liquid whip” and his backhand “a one-hander that he can drive flat, load with topspin, or slice—the slice with such snap that the ball turns shapes in the air and skids on the grass to maybe ankle height.” Federer’s strokes were both brilliant and unmistakable, imbued as they were with his singular style.
Great writers—the masters of their craft—also have very distinctive styles. Readers instantly recognize the prose of their favourite novelists: Virginia Woolf’s stream-of-consciousness, Nabokov’s poetic language, or the stark simplicity of Hemingway. These styles are rooted in once-in-a-lifetime talent, and likely took many years to hone, but their impact has endured beyond the lives of the authors themselves.
When to hit the winner
Before a tennis player can develop their personal style, they must master the fundamentals of the game. This includes excellent form and technique, fast footwork, and solid groundstrokes. These elements are essential because in tennis, consistency, i.e., the ability to keep the ball in play without making errors, is the key to success. But consistency is, to use a legal term, a “necessary but not sufficient” condition for greatness. The most memorable moments in tennis involve an element of surprise. For example, following a lengthy cross-court exchange, an unexpected drop shot can change the pace of the point, catching the opponent off guard and thrilling audiences.
For legal writers, consistency is equally important. They too must be comfortable with the fundamentals of their discipline: using clear and concise language; organizing an argument effectively; citing relevant legal authorities. But to rise above the fray, writers have to take risks. Doing so requires a bold and confident attitude, Writers might explore rhetorical devices such as repetition, analogies, and humour. These tools, when used judiciously, can disrupt the rhythm of the text, engaging and exciting the reader.
Once you’ve gained the trust of your readers as a reliable source of information, a person who prizes accuracy and uses solid evidence to support your arguments . . . that’s when you channel your inner Federer and go for the proverbial down-the-line winner. That’s where the real beauty resides.