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.

Coco Gauff's journey to tennis stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. A recent viral video has resurfaced, showcasing an 8-year-old Gauff sitting courtside at the US Open, watching Venus Williams in action. This heartwarming moment has sparked a wave of inspiration, reminding us that dreams can become reality with hard work and determination.In 2012, a young Gauff attended the US Open's Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, where she danced enthusiastically to Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe." This clip went viral after her Grand Slam victory in 2022, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.Now, another heartwarming moment from that same tournament has emerged. An eagle-eyed social media user spotted Gauff sitting behind Williams during her first-round match against Bethanie Mattek-Sands. The visor-wearing 8-year-old Gauff watched intently, her eyes fixed on the court.Gauff shared the moment on social media, expressing her disbelief and gratitude for the discovery. "If this isn't proof that your dreams are closer than you think, then idk what is," she wrote. The post quickly went viral, amassing millions of views.Reflecting on her younger self, Gauff acknowledged that she had the dream but may not have fully believed it. She emphasized the importance of holding onto dreams and working hard to achieve them. "Don't lose the dream. Keep having fun. ... Keep believing in that dream and don't let the doubters diminish that," she said.Gauff's journey serves as a testament to the power of dreams and the unwavering pursuit of goals. Her story inspires us to believe in ourselves and to never give up on our aspirations, no matter how big or small they may seem.