Tennis

Tennis legend Roger Federer graced the Dartmouth College campus with his presence, receiving an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters and sharing invaluable life lessons with the Class of 2024. In his captivating speech, Federer emphasized the importance of hard work, resilience, and perspective.Federer dispelled the myth of "effortless" success, revealing the relentless effort behind his achievements. "I had to work very hard... to make it look easy," he said. "I spent years whining... swearing... throwing my racket... before I learned to keep my cool." He stressed that talent alone is insufficient, and that outworking opponents is crucial for success.Recalling his heartbreaking loss to Rafael Nadal in the 2008 Wimbledon final, Federer shared the lesson of resilience. "You can work harder than you thought possible... and still lose," he said. "But I knew what I had to do... keep working. And keep competing." He emphasized that setbacks are inevitable, but it's how we respond to them that matters.Federer also reminded the students that life extends beyond the court. "Life is bigger than the court," he said. "It's about the people you love, the experiences you have, and the impact you make on the world." He encouraged them to pursue their passions, embrace challenges, and strive for a life filled with purpose and meaning.Federer's speech resonated deeply with the Dartmouth community, leaving a lasting impression on the graduating class. His words of wisdom and encouragement will undoubtedly guide them as they embark on their own journeys.

In March 2023, Dartmouth College announced that tennis legend Roger Federer would deliver the commencement speech at its graduation ceremony. The Swiss maestro did not disappoint, delivering a memorable address that resonated with the graduating class and attendees alike.Despite the rain that dampened the Hanover, New Hampshire campus, Federer, clad in a robe and an honorary doctorate, exuded confidence and humor. He admitted to having only visited a college campus once before, which prompted him to quip, "This is not my usual scene, and these are not my usual clothes."Federer's speech was filled with anecdotes and reflections on his life and career. He shared his early decision to leave school at 16 to pursue his tennis dreams, a choice that ultimately led to his remarkable success on the court. However, he emphasized that his journey was not about retirement but rather about transitioning to new chapters in his life."You wouldn't say you retired from college, right?" Federer said. "Like you, I finished one big thing, and I'm moving on to the next."Federer also acknowledged Dartmouth's reputation as the birthplace of beer pong, a party game that involves hand-eye coordination and alcohol. With a mischievous smile, he asked, "Is pong a sport, or is it a way of life? Either way, Dartmouth is the Wimbledon of pong—it's even raining, like at Wimbledon."The 20-time Grand Slam champion's speech was met with laughter and applause from the audience. He concluded by encouraging the graduates to embrace the unknown and to pursue their passions with the same determination that he had shown throughout his career."The future is yours to shape," Federer said. "Don't be afraid to take risks, to dream big, and to make your mark on the world."

Roger Federer, the legendary tennis icon with 20 Grand Slam titles to his name, will grace the hallowed halls of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, this summer. On June 9, 2024, the 42-year-old Swiss maestro will address the graduating class and receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.The announcement was made via a captivating YouTube video featuring Federer clad in Dartmouth green, alongside President Sian Leah Beilock and groundskeeper Tommy Shea. "I am so excited and honored to be your Commencement speaker this year," Federer exclaimed. "I hope I see you on the Big Green in June."President Beilock, an avowed Federer fan, expressed her admiration for the tennis great. "Roger Federer is undeniably one of the greatest athletes of all time, but it's the evident joy that he always found on the court that stays with me, and that I think will resonate most with the Class of 2024."Federer's connection to the American college scene has deepened this year. Earlier this month, he made a surprise appearance at Stanford University, where Nico Godsick, son of Federer's longtime agent Tony Godsick and a Dartmouth alum, plays for the Cardinal.Federer witnessed Stanford's 7-0 victory over UNLV and joined the team for dinner. Nico Godsick ensured his teammates were aware of Federer's presence beforehand. "I didn't want them to be at break point, deuce point, first game, then look up and see Roger and then double-fault," Godsick told SFGATE. "They were super excited and I don't think it could have gone any better."Federer's recent appearance in Palo Alto showcased his enduring brilliance on the court. His forehand remains as silky as ever on hard courts, leaving fans eager to witness his artistry on grass at Hanover's Big Green.