"Federer: Twelve Final Days" serves an elegant and emotional shot on Prime Video!
Find out more about Prime Videos latest sports documentary.
Directed by Asif Kapadia and Joe Sabia, Federer: Twelve Final Days is one of the latest sports related documentaries streaming on Prime Video.
Twelve Final Days is an intimate follow-along through the final 12 days of Roger Federer’s illustrious career. Originally a home video never intended for public viewing, the film captures Federer at his most vulnerable and candid self, as he says goodbye to a game and the fans that shaped his life for the last two decades. Featuring interviews from legendary rivals and friends Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, Federer: Twelve Final Days provides unprecedented access to the relationship between these unparalleled stars.
This documentary is more so a love story. A love story between a competitor, his family, his peers, and the game of tennis. This documentary showcases not only Federer’s immense love for the sport of tennis, but also showcases and provides insight about who Roger Federer is as a man, not just as a pro athlete and public figure. Viewers get a courtside seat into some of the most vulnerable, personal, and intimate moments of Roger’s life as he laces his sneakers up for the last time (at the Laver Cup) after a very long and successful internationally renowned tennis career. The documentary also provides a look at the foundation that his life and career have been built upon as the 41-year-old set out toward retirement in 2022.
Through the lens of Federer: Twelve Final Days, the Federer family and some of Roger’s closest friends are captured in the most sentimental ways as Roger, emotional yet filled with gratitude, places them on a pedestal that they so deserve.
“My kids love the road.” -Roger Federer, Twelve Final Days
Anytime you walk away from or can no longer do something that you love, for whatever reason, there will be emotionally heavy stages that one goes through. When reflecting on the past, whether it be retiring, moving away, or embarking on a new path after achieving longevity and success, it’s natural to be reminded and appreciative for all that you have been given and afforded throughout the journey. The journey documented in this film is one that takes a young Swiss Ball boy from the sidelines on through to the bright lights at center court as he became one of the greatest and highly decorated tennis champions around the globe.
While Roger has given the world and sport of tennis the pleasure of witnessing him play in some of the highest caliber tennis matches for 24 years, there are so many behind the court names that have been there before, during, and after he hung up his racket that have sacrificed and given up many things to support his career path. This film gives many of those names a face. When Roger so heartfelt and eloquently audibly announced his retirement, it was on par that he began by thanking some of those very people as he publicly bid the game of tennis farewell.
“Of all the gifts that tennis has given me over the years, the greatest, without a doubt, has been the people I’ve met along the way: my friends, my competitors, and most of all the fans who give the sport its life. Today I want to share some news with all of you.” -Roger Federer, Twelve Final Days
A poetic swing, samurai headband and modest personality are all adjectives that can be used to describe Roger Federer. However, when given an inside look at the people who have been surrounding him for decades as he became one of the top tennis players in the world, adjectives like loving, loyal, and classy also come to mind.
Federer is the third winning tennis player in Grand Slam competitions(winning 20). He has also won numerous other top matches including Olympic gold, five Australian Opens, one Roland Garros, five US Opens, and he holds the record for eight victories at Wimbledon.
Outside of his tennis accolades, he is a father, son, brother, and husband who met the love of his life, former Swiss pro tennis player Miroslava "Mirka" Federer at just 19 years old. Class, elegance, and poise all describe the Federer Family. Seeing their family dynamics play out on screen in this moving, celebratory, and emotional documentary is credited to excellent directing. Early on, the tone is set to let viewers know that this documentary is powerful, personal, relatable, emotional, and sincere.
Viewers are treated with highlights from some of Rogers greatest matches and moments on and off the court. From moments like his 2009 US Open “tweener” shot, to at home moments where he’s just a dad greeting his kids with an abundance of hugs and kisses after they’ve arrived home for the day. The cinematography department brought their A-game for this documentary. From the first toss of the coin, the filmmakers display slow-motion frames of Rogers advanced technical skills mixed with his almost art like in game play kinesthetics and viewers are captivated! The sheer athleticism displayed in these scenes come off as impressive, striking, and powerful.
“I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I did it at a level that I never imagined, for much longer than I ever thought possible.” -Roger Federer, Twelve Final Days
Throughout the documentary, Roger connects with trainers, friends, fans, and other associates that have given him some of the greatest gifts that you can receive within a lifetime. They have shown up for him, supported him, offered advice, given kind words, and encouraged him through some of the most difficult defeats. However, they’ve also been there to cheer, celebrate, and praise him in the high moments of hard-fought victories and top-level championship wins in countless countries and arenas.
For every time fans and spectators were gifted a view of Rogers skilled gameplay and technical tennis expertise, it was those who he holds most near and dear to his heart that gifted him something much more than the eye can see. Daughters Myla and Charlene gave him the determination to dig deep when games were on the line, sons Leo and Lenny gave him the courage to hold his head high in spite of defeat or tough losses, his sister gave him the motivation needed to hit countless game winning serves, and his mom and dad gave him the encouragement needed to fight end-to-end on the court as they cheered him on in some of the biggest matches around the world. Lastly, Mirka gave him the strength to continue to compete as a professional tennis player for 24 years, and most importantly, she gave him the bravery to know when it was time to stop. Federer’s final match took place in London’s O2 arena in 2022, where he teamed with long-time rival and friend Rafael Nadal for Team Europe against Team World in the Laver Cup. London was such a fitting place for the tennis legend to round out his career.
Twelve Final Days is a poignant and noteworthy documentary that so fittingly captures Roger Federer, the wonderful humanitarian, father, husband, and iconic public figure that is also no doubt one of the greatest tennis players of our time.
Federer: Twelve Final Days is set to exclusively stream on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide starting on June 20, 2024. It is presented by Prime Video Sports and is produced by Lafcadia Productions.