With the first round of qualifying beginning today for the 2010 Wimbledon tournament, we thought we would pay a little respect to the greatest player ever to live (with the possible exception of Rod Laver) and a total embodiment of all that is FreddieBlack. Roger Federer will not only be everyone at Freddie’s favorite this year, but could become the only player in the history of the game to win 17 grand slams. He doesn’t really need that though because he is already the only player in the world to win 16. Either way, between his on-court dominance and off-court style, you can take a few cues from the best ever.

The greatest player to put on a pair of tennis shoes has a style that both dominates and outsmarts his opponents. John Mcenroe calls his forehand shot “the best weapon in the game” and his single-handed backhand does things that boggle the mind. If you happen to be a player, notice that Federer is a master of the slice return and taking angles away. The most important lesson you can take from Federer as a player is that he is in impeccable shape. This is what has led him to victory in so many five set matches as well as allows him to get perfect position on the ball.

Off the court, Federer lives a life that even Freddie has to admit is pretty amazing. His sponsors include Rolex, Net Jets, Mercedes-Benz and of course, Nike. His lifetime (What!?) deal with Nike is not dissimilar to Michael Jordan’s and the guy’s making more money that God on a yearly basis. Federer is known for having great fashion tastes and is almost always dressed well. To this point, we think his custom white blazer he wears at Wimbledon is pretty much the epitome of badass. Federer is also known for being a great sportsman and always wins and loses with grace and style, if maybe a bit too much crying, but if you so completely dominated a sport in the same way, we’d give you a pass as well. It is important to remember to have the same even-keeled approach to life and remember that you can’t win every (single) time. Roger Federer is an amazing tennis player, liver of the good life, and by all accounts, a pretty great guy as well. So take some parts of his game, on court and off, and plug them into your own.