Commencement Speech by Roger Federer

Introduction

• Roger Federer addresses the class of 2024 at Dartmouth College.
• Expresses excitement and gratitude for receiving an honorary doctorate.
• Mentions his unfamiliarity with college settings and formal attire.
• Shares his nervousness akin to his early tennis career.

Personal Experiences

• Federer reflects on his early nervousness and growth over the years.
• Jokes about Dartmouth's invention of beer pong and his experience playing it.
• Describes his enjoyable experiences at Dartmouth, comparing it to Switzerland.

Key Lessons from Federer

Lesson 1: "Effortless is a Myth"

• Federer's playing style was often described as effortless, which he found frustrating.
• Emphasizes the hard work behind the scenes that makes achievements look easy.
• Discusses the mental discipline needed in tennis, learned from critiques and self-awareness.
• Stresses the importance of working hard and believing in oneself.

Lesson 2: "It's Only a Point"

• In tennis, like life, one can work hard but still face losses.
• Federer shares his Wimbledon 2008 final loss, highlighting lessons on dealing with defeat.
• Emphasizes the importance of moving on and learning from losses.
• Discusses the necessity of maintaining focus and intensity after setbacks.

Lesson 3: "Life is Bigger than the Court"

• Claims that while tennis provided great experiences, life encompasses much more.
• Talks about his foundation focused on providing education in Africa.
• Stresses the importance of having a rewarding life outside professional success.
• Encourages students to contribute to something larger than themselves.

Personal Reflections

• Federer reflects on his transition from professional tennis to other life pursuits.
• Shares the importance of teamwork and personal relationships.
• Expresses gratitude towards his family and their role in his success.

Conclusion

• Reminds graduates that they are poised to achieve great things.
• Encourages them to remember their experiences and friendships from Dartmouth.
• Concludes with a playful note on tennis technique, adding a personal touch.
• Expresses hope to reunite with graduates in the future, marking the importance of this milestone.