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Famous Tennis Players (Federer, Sharapova and more!)

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underdog

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'll start everyone off:

Roger Federer- ISFP. The guy obviously comes across as an introvert in interviews. He's amazing hand eye and reflexes indicates that he's obviously a sensor, probably a Se dom/aux. He's known to be quite unemotional on the court, however earlier on in his career he was known for his temper tantrums and a couple of years ago he cried after losing yet another grand slam final to Nadal so I say he's an F. He's also known for his impeccable sense of style and aesthetically pleasing game, which is a very ISFP thing.

Maria Sharapova- ESTJ. Despite having poster girl looks, Maria comes off distant and businessmanlike in her interviews. She is also known to be extremely cool, anti-social, unfriendly, loner (at least a lot a tennis commentators and other players who have met her thinks she is), which comfirms her as a T. Despite being famous and billed as the next Anna Kournikova, unlike her predecessor Maria never let the fame go to her head and remained focused on her tennis career. She is also one of the youngest Grand Slam Champions and many commentators praised her maturity and professionalism even when she was playing in the Juniors, all of these traits which I think indicates she is a Te Dom/Aux. Maria is a top player not because of her athletic ability or her ability to improvise, but her ability to consistently hit the ball very hard on and her trouble adjusting to a new serve after injury suggests that she is more likely a Si user than a Se.

Agree/Disagree? :confused: Also feel free to add your own analysis of other famous tennis players (Can someone analyze Nadal, Sampras, Monica Seles for me?)
 
#2 ·
underdog said:
I'll start everyone off:

Roger Federer- ISFP. The guy obviously comes across as an introvert in interviews. He's amazing hand eye and reflexes indicates that he's obviously a sensor, probably a Se dom/aux. He's known to be quite unemotional on the court, however earlier on in his career he was known for his temper tantrums and a couple of years ago he cried after losing yet another grand slam final to Nadal so I say he's an F. He's also known for his impeccable sense of style and aesthetically pleasing game, which is a very ISFP thing.

Maria Sharapova- ESTJ. Despite having poster girl looks, Maria comes off distant and businessmanlike in her interviews. She is also known to be extremely cool, anti-social, unfriendly, loner (at least a lot a tennis commentators and other players who have met her thinks she is), which comfirms her as a T. Despite being famous and billed as the next Anna Kournikova, unlike her predecessor Maria never let the fame go to her head and remained focused on her tennis career. She is also one of the youngest Grand Slam Champions and many commentators praised her maturity and professionalism even when she was playing in the Juniors, all of these traits which I think indicates she is a Te Dom/Aux. Maria is a top player not because of her athletic ability or her ability to improvise, but her ability to consistently hit the ball very hard on and her trouble adjusting to a new serve after injury suggests that she is more likely a Si user than a Se.

Agree/Disagree? :confused: Also feel free to add your own analysis of other famous tennis players (Can someone analyze Nadal, Sampras, Monica Seles for me?)
Click to expand...
Roger Federer: ISFP or ESFP, leaning more towards ESFP. The best hand eye coordination I've seen of any athlete of any sport suggests to me he must be Se dominant. I don't care what people say when Se has no affect on hand eye coordination. That's bullshit it does. How can being aware of something in real time not affect hand eye. Se is rich awarness of our surroundings being able to detect minute changes in the environment which would strongly benefit him on the tennis court in carefully following flight paths, bounces, spins etc etc
He's also quite sociable as well both during on court and off court interviews. Deliberately choosing not to reveal to much during interviews is caution not introversion.

Rafael Nadal: ISTP or ISFP
He's pretty emotional to, but at the same time he's only interested in practical things and is able to literally focus point by point even shot by shot. Avoids discouragement and has pulled of arguably many of tennis's greatest comebacks. Definitely an introvert. Suggests strong Ti Dom.

Agassi: ESFP
Quite emotional and has showmanship. Classical ESFP Performer

Sampras: ISTP
He was a robot. All business, on and off the court. Very tactical and reserved, a greater thinker. Definitely ISTP

Novak Djokovic:

The Djoker: if that's not a stage name I don't know what is.
ESFP Performer

Andy Murray:ISTP
Reserved and breaks down an opponents game like a surgeon or the way Dom Ti breaks down an object to find all the specific properties that make up that object and make it even subtly different from similar objects.
 
#3 ·
Sorry to necropost, but this thread isn't that old so I thought I'd reopen it rather than create a new one.

After the Australian Open final today (what a match!) I was wondering about the types of the top 4 male players. I'm probably not that great at this but I'll give it a go anyway:

Murray - I'd agree with ISTP. He's my least favourite of the four in any case.

Federer - I always thought ISTJ for some reason. Maybe ESTJ. Although now that I think about the fact that he's always so polite and knows exactly what to say in interviews, it might suggest ISFJ/ESFJ.

Nadal - I thought INTJ for a bit (don't ask me why), but after seeing interviews, I'm not too sure. He's certainly an introvert and he's a lot more outspoken about things than Federer is. IxTx?

Djokovic - ESTP or ENTP. Probably the former.
 
#4 ·
andy murray definitely ISTP.
 
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#8 ·
I did see ISFP as a possiblity for Murray too but I discounted it for various reasons. He kinda gives off a vibe that he isn't too focused on what others think of him (being slightly grumpy with the media etc). As Fi-doms ISFPs may not go out of their way to 'people please' (lack of Fe) but they are very sensitive and aware of their own emotions and in the emotions of those around them so I think they would come across warmer. Murray has more of an ISTP 'I don't give a stuff' vibe than an ISFP 'I'm scared of speaking to you but I'm actually pretty friendly' vibe. But this is difficult to interpret.

His display of emotion in the speech at last years Wimbledon final could be interpreted in both ways too. Could be a rarely seen display of Fi emotion that is always there but kept private. Or could be an inferior Fe display of emotions. Any thoughts?

Also, going by appearance he doesn't seem to have that Fi-Se fashionable creativity that I would associate with ISFPs. Nadal's 'edgier' appearance fits in more with this.

I have some issues with ISTP too though. I would see ISTPs also as being pretty edgy dressers. I also think of ISTP's as being a little bit 'bad-ass' and like partying etc which I don't see much with Murray. From the documentary his lifestyle came across as pretty steady, reliable. He doesn't drink etc. Probably a lot to do with being a superstar tennis player focused on health though. Could he even be an ISTJ?
 
#9 ·
februarystars said:
I did see ISFP as a possiblity for Murray too but I discounted it for various reasons. He kinda gives off a vibe that he isn't too focused on what others think of him (being slightly grumpy with the media etc). As Fi-doms ISFPs may not go out of their way to 'people please' (lack of Fe) but they are very sensitive and aware of their own emotions and in the emotions of those around them so I think they would come across warmer. Murray has more of an ISTP 'I don't give a stuff' vibe than an ISFP 'I'm scared of speaking to you but I'm actually pretty friendly' vibe. But this is difficult to interpret.

His display of emotion in the speech at last years Wimbledon final could be interpreted in both ways too. Could be a rarely seen display of Fi emotion that is always there but kept private. Or could be an inferior Fe display of emotions. Any thoughts?

Also, going by appearance he doesn't seem to have that Fi-Se fashionable creativity that I would associate with ISFPs. Nadal's 'edgier' appearance fits in more with this.

I have some issues with ISTP too though. I would see ISTPs also as being pretty edgy dressers. I also think of ISTP's as being a little bit 'bad-ass' and like partying etc which I don't see much with Murray. From the documentary his lifestyle came across as pretty steady, reliable. He doesn't drink etc. Probably a lot to do with being a superstar tennis player focused on health though. Could he even be an ISTJ?
Click to expand...
Good post. Yeah, ISTJ occurred to me too.

One thing that I notice about Murray is that on the tennis court he's very emotional. If his opponent plays exceptionally well, Murray gets angry with himself (even though he has no reason to be), whereas if his opponent makes an unforced error he seems absolutely delighted with himself. I kind of see ISTP as staying equally cool and focuses regardless of the circumstances, whereas Murray seems to let extraneous circumstances affect him on an emotional level.

I don't think the way Murray dresses is particularly incompatible with ISFP. Fi doms are really concerned with who they are as individuals, and Murray seems to be somebody who cares about playing tennis and doesn't really see why loads of people would want him to be loads of things that he's not. As Charlie Brooker says, 'can't he just play tennis without having to pull a happy face for you?'. That's why he's not too concerned with how he dresses or anything. He's not a model, he's a tennis player. Although as is shown in that documentary, he didn't seem to mind doing the photoshoots where he was wearing suits and stuff too much.

Plus, Murray as a person doesn't seem too badass to me (I think of ISTPs in the same way you do, haha). Although he does seem cold and blunt, I think that's more a product of shyness than badassery.
 
#10 ·
Velasquez said:
Good post. Yeah, ISTJ occurred to me too.

One thing that I notice about Murray is that on the tennis court he's very emotional. If his opponent plays exceptionally well, Murray gets angry with himself (even though he has no reason to be), whereas if his opponent makes an unforced error he seems absolutely delighted with himself. I kind of see ISTP as staying equally cool and focuses regardless of the circumstances, whereas Murray seems to let extraneous circumstances affect him on an emotional level.

I don't think the way Murray dresses is particularly incompatible with ISFP. Fi doms are really concerned with who they are as individuals, and Murray seems to be somebody who cares about playing tennis and doesn't really see why loads of people would want him to be loads of things that he's not. As Charlie Brooker says, 'can't he just play tennis without having to pull a happy face for you?'. That's why he's not too concerned with how he dresses or anything. He's not a model, he's a tennis player. Although as is shown in that documentary, he didn't seem to mind doing the photoshoots where he was wearing suits and stuff too much.

Plus, Murray as a person doesn't seem too badass to me (I think of ISTPs in the same way you do, haha). Although he does seem cold and blunt, I think that's more a product of shyness than badassery.
Click to expand...
A lot of good points. I'm coming round to ISFP again. I almost forgot how emotional Murray can be on court. He at times seems quite hard on himself. I think especially in the past it has had a negative effect on his game. ISTP would likely be more level headed.


I don't see ISFPs as being trendy as such, but enjoy expressing both their individuality (Fi) and appreciation of aesthetics (Se) in their appearance (and in other ways - art etc). You are right though that Murray does show individuality, which would be most important for ISFP. He also used to have slightly mad but awesome curly long hair and he looked more like a typical ISFP then. :p The Charlie Brooker quote is good - I actually like Murray's approach to the media etc.


The problem with ISXPs is they are both really private and reserved so what's going on underneath isn't obvious to the casual observer. I can definitely see your point though that in Murray his coldness could be more down to shyness. He seems sort of softer round the edges than I would image an ISTP to be.


I still wouldn't discount ISTJ but it doesn't sit that comfortably. Don't really see much Te. He has more of the vibe of 'Don't tell me what to do, I won't tell you what to do either' I think ISTJs can be kinda bossy. But I could be wrong. I could be convinced by Si-dom though. I'd be interested if anyone could argue for it.

Badassery is a great word.
 
#11 ·
februarystars said:
A lot of good points. I'm coming round to ISFP again. I almost forgot how emotional Murray can be on court. He at times seems quite hard on himself. I think especially in the past it has had a negative effect on his game. ISTP would likely be more level headed.

I don't see ISFPs as being trendy as such, but enjoy expressing both their individuality (Fi) and appreciation of aesthetics (Se) in their appearance (and in other ways - art etc). You are right though that Murray does show individuality, which would be most important for ISFP. He also used to have slightly mad but awesome curly long hair and he looked more like a typical ISFP then. :p The Charlie Brooker quote is good - I actually like Murray's approach to the media etc.

The problem with ISXPs is they are both really private and reserved so what's going on underneath isn't obvious to the casual observer. I can definitely see your point though that in Murray his coldness could be more down to shyness. He seems sort of softer round the edges than I would image an ISTP to be.

I still wouldn't discount ISTJ but it doesn't sit that comfortably. Don't really see much Te. He has more of the vibe of 'Don't tell me what to do, I won't tell you what to do either' I think ISTJs can be kinda bossy. But I could be wrong. I could be convinced by Si-dom though. I'd be interested if anyone could argue for it.

Badassery is a great word.
Click to expand...
Yeah, have a look for the rest of that Charlie Brooker article if you haven't already, it's a great article. I'm with you, I really respect the fact that Murray just doesn't do any of the kinds of wanky emotional stuff that interviewers are always trying to force out of sportsmen to make them look good on promo packages.

I do think there could be a case for ISTJ, but the way I see it, ISTJs do well because of their diligence and hard work and attention to detail, but aren't particularly competitive as such (generalisation), whereas Murray seems more feisty and competitive. Again, with Fi users, they're aware of themselves as individuals and how they compare to other individuals, which combined with Se can lead them to be very competitive despite their often amicable outer appearances.
 
#12 ·
februarystars said:
I did see ISFP as a possiblity for Murray too but I discounted it for various reasons. He kinda gives off a vibe that he isn't too focused on what others think of him (being slightly grumpy with the media etc). As Fi-doms ISFPs may not go out of their way to 'people please' (lack of Fe) but they are very sensitive and aware of their own emotions and in the emotions of those around them so I think they would come across warmer. Murray has more of an ISTP 'I don't give a stuff' vibe than an ISFP 'I'm scared of speaking to you but I'm actually pretty friendly' vibe. But this is difficult to interpret.

His display of emotion in the speech at last years Wimbledon final could be interpreted in both ways too. Could be a rarely seen display of Fi emotion that is always there but kept private. Or could be an inferior Fe display of emotions. Any thoughts?

Also, going by appearance he doesn't seem to have that Fi-Se fashionable creativity that I would associate with ISFPs. Nadal's 'edgier' appearance fits in more with this.

I have some issues with ISTP too though. I would see ISTPs also as being pretty edgy dressers. I also think of ISTP's as being a little bit 'bad-ass' and like partying etc which I don't see much with Murray. From the documentary his lifestyle came across as pretty steady, reliable. He doesn't drink etc. Probably a lot to do with being a superstar tennis player focused on health though. Could he even be an ISTJ?
Click to expand...
murray is a total ISTJ. he has that locked up tight, curmudgeonly demeanor + doesn't ever pander in an Fe way.
 
#18 ·
februarystars said:
I did see ISFP as a possiblity for Murray too but I discounted it for various reasons. He kinda gives off a vibe that he isn't too focused on what others think of him (being slightly grumpy with the media etc). As Fi-doms ISFPs may not go out of their way to 'people please' (lack of Fe) but they are very sensitive and aware of their own emotions and in the emotions of those around them so I think they would come across warmer. Murray has more of an ISTP 'I don't give a stuff' vibe than an ISFP 'I'm scared of speaking to you but I'm actually pretty friendly' vibe. But this is difficult to interpret.

His display of emotion in the speech at last years Wimbledon final could be interpreted in both ways too. Could be a rarely seen display of Fi emotion that is always there but kept private. Or could be an inferior Fe display of emotions. Any thoughts?

Also, going by appearance he doesn't seem to have that Fi-Se fashionable creativity that I would associate with ISFPs. Nadal's 'edgier' appearance fits in more with this.

I have some issues with ISTP too though. I would see ISTPs also as being pretty edgy dressers. I also think of ISTP's as being a little bit 'bad-ass' and like partying etc which I don't see much with Murray. From the documentary his lifestyle came across as pretty steady, reliable. He doesn't drink etc. Probably a lot to do with being a superstar tennis player focused on health though. Could he even be an ISTJ?
Click to expand...

Great Analysis! I think what u say is obvious in that a don't think any F dom type is going to be so inconsiderate and/or unconcerned with how others think of them to give off that "I don't give a stuff" message, to the degree Murray does. ISTJ - maybe but i'm going with ISTP cos off murray's confrontation style - he isn't uncomfortable about engaging in arguments with umpires or fellow players (del potro when he 'insulted' his mum) at all!
 
#19 ·
februarystars said:
A lot of good points. I'm coming round to ISFP again. I almost forgot how emotional Murray can be on court. He at times seems quite hard on himself. I think especially in the past it has had a negative effect on his game. ISTP would likely be more level headed.


I don't see ISFPs as being trendy as such, but enjoy expressing both their individuality (Fi) and appreciation of aesthetics (Se) in their appearance (and in other ways - art etc). You are right though that Murray does show individuality, which would be most important for ISFP. He also used to have slightly mad but awesome curly long hair and he looked more like a typical ISFP then. :p The Charlie Brooker quote is good - I actually like Murray's approach to the media etc.


The problem with ISXPs is they are both really private and reserved so what's going on underneath isn't obvious to the casual observer. I can definitely see your point though that in Murray his coldness could be more down to shyness. He seems sort of softer round the edges than I would image an ISTP to be.


I still wouldn't discount ISTJ but it doesn't sit that comfortably. Don't really see much Te. He has more of the vibe of 'Don't tell me what to do, I won't tell you what to do either' I think ISTJs can be kinda bossy. But I could be wrong. I could be convinced by Si-dom though. I'd be interested if anyone could argue for it.

Badassery is a great word.
Click to expand...
Right gonna say it right off cos this bugs me - this stupid inference that T types can't be emotional, even very emotional. All it means is that they find thinking more stimulating and interesting, aswell as their attention being mainly on their thoughts rather than feelings (most of the time). Emotions on the other hand are universal to all types (unless the unfortunate individual is brain damaged or something like that), even when is come to emoting I see no reason why there would be any difference between T and F types, the only difference that's going to occur (in my opinion) is between genders with women (on average) emoting more than men.

Ok now i've got that out the way I'm just gonna add my belief that Murray's emotionality on court are actually mini temper tantrums that are a result of him having asperger's syndrome combined with a perfectionistic personality, and btw ISTP's are known for striving to be really accurate at what they do (often when murray misses the line by a fraction this really winds him up because he expects himself to make that kind of shot). I hope a don't get a lot of stick for stating that about murray and AS, it's just if you look around the internet you'll see a fair number of people on the spectrum saying they're convinced he has it, which certainly isn't the case for the majority of famous people speculated to have suffered from it. In addition he (to an insane degree) reminds me of an old friend of mine who's recently been diagnosed.
 
#20 ·
thor odinson said:
Roger Federer: ISFP or ESFP, leaning more towards ESFP. The best hand eye coordination I've seen of any athlete of any sport suggests to me he must be Se dominant. I don't care what people say when Se has no affect on hand eye coordination. That's bullshit it does. How can being aware of something in real time not affect hand eye. Se is rich awarness of our surroundings being able to detect minute changes in the environment which would strongly benefit him on the tennis court in carefully following flight paths, bounces, spins etc etc
He's also quite sociable as well both during on court and off court interviews. Deliberately choosing not to reveal to much during interviews is caution not introversion.

Rafael Nadal: ISTP or ISFP
He's pretty emotional to, but at the same time he's only interested in practical things and is able to literally focus point by point even shot by shot. Avoids discouragement and has pulled of arguably many of tennis's greatest comebacks. Definitely an introvert. Suggests strong Ti Dom.

Agassi: ESFP
Quite emotional and has showmanship. Classical ESFP Performer

Sampras: ISTP
He was a robot. All business, on and off the court. Very tactical and reserved, a greater thinker. Definitely ISTP

Novak Djokovic:

The Djoker: if that's not a stage name I don't know what is.
ESFP Performer

Andy Murray:ISTP
Reserved and breaks down an opponents game like a surgeon or the way Dom Ti breaks down an object to find all the specific properties that make up that object and make it even subtly different from similar objects.
Click to expand...

As I've stated enough already on this forum for me Murray is ISTP (so with u on that one), slight poss of ISTJ but yea i think ISTP overall. However if u compare Murray to Sampras they really don't come across as identicals. Sampras has a real F vibe for me, I'm going for ISFP for Sampras, as the all business thing for me was his 'game face' just like federer who your saying is an F type, he doesn't give anything away - doesn't show any sign of weakness, which is really more of a smart decision to make as a competitor. Yes ISTP are more likely to naturally be that way but ... Sampras is ISFP for me, but my mind is more than open to change on this one
 
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