Roger Federer Receives Honorary Doctorate from Dartmouth College
Tennis legend Roger Federer received an honorary doctorate from Dartmouth College in the US on Sunday. In his unforgettable commencement speech, Federer shared inspiring life lessons with the graduating students, emphasising hard work, resilience, and a well-rounded life. The speech, lasting 25 minutes, has been widely praised as a masterclass in life lessons and is seen as one for the record books.
The Honorary Degree and Speech
Doctor of Humane Letters
At the age of 42, Roger Federer was awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree for his philanthropic work. Addressing the Class of 2024, he began by humorously noting that this was only the second time he had set foot on a college campus. Federer’s speech was filled with wisdom gleaned from his illustrious tennis career, and he shared three key life lessons.
“Effortless” is a Myth
Federer’s first lesson was that “effortless” is a myth. He explained that the word “effortless” was often used to describe his play, which frustrated him. He clarified, “The truth is, I had to work very hard… to make it look easy. I spent years whining… swearing… throwing my racket… before I learned to keep my cool… I didn’t get where I got on pure talent alone. I got there by trying to outwork my opponents.”
“It’s Only a Point”
The second lesson Federer shared was, “It’s only a point.” He recounted his loss to Rafael Nadal in the Wimbledon 2008 finals, saying, “I lost Wimbledon. I lost my number-one ranking. And suddenly, people said, ‘He had a great run. Is this the changing of the guard?’ But I knew what I had to do… keep working. And keep competing.” This lesson underscores the importance of perseverance, even in the face of setbacks.
“Life is Bigger than the Court”
Federer’s third lesson was that “Life is bigger than the court.” He emphasised the importance of having a balanced life filled with travel, culture, friendships, and especially family. “I worked a lot, learned a lot, and ran a lot of miles in that small space (tennis court)… But the world is a whole lot bigger than that,” he told the students. Federer highlighted that while tennis showed him the world, it could never be the world.
A Personal Touch
Federer also added a personal touch to his speech, sharing his love for travel not just as a tourist but through his philanthropic work. He spoke about his friendship with agent and business partner Tony Godsick, a Dartmouth alumnus, who was in attendance to watch his daughter, Isabella Godsick, graduate.
Federer’s humour and humility shone through when he mentioned his unexpected honour, saying, “Keep in mind, this is literally the second time I have ever set foot on a college campus. Second time ever. But for some reason, you are giving me a doctorate degree,” he said, cracking a laugh. “I just came here to give a speech, but I get to go home as ‘Dr. Roger’. That’s a pretty nice bonus.”
The Future Beyond Tennis
Federer addressed the idea of retirement, a word he is not too fond of. He viewed his retirement as a graduation from tennis. “So what do I do with my time? I’m a dad first, so, I guess, I drive my kids to school? Play chess online against strangers? Vacuum the house?” Federer said. “No, in truth, I’m loving the life of a tennis graduate.”
Federer discussed his philanthropic work and even took time to briefly provide technical advice on tennis. His dedication to giving back and sharing his expertise highlights his ongoing commitment to the sport and its community.
Conclusion
Federer’s speech culminated in a heartfelt connection with the graduates. He invited them to approach him in the future and remind him of this special day. “If you are ever in Switzerland, or anywhere else in the world, and you see me on the street… even 20 or 30 years from now… whether I have grey hair or no hair… I want you to stop me and say… ‘I was there that day on the Green. I’m a member of your class… the Class of 2024’,” Federer said. “I will never forget this day, and I know you won’t either.”
In closing, Federer encouraged the graduates to give their best in whatever they choose to pursue, to play free, try everything, and most importantly, to be kind to one another and have fun along the way. His words left an indelible mark on all who attended, providing guidance and inspiration for the next chapter of their lives.
