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That Roger Federer Commencement Speech

  • Writer: Craig Barnard
    Craig Barnard
  • Jun 24
  • 2 min read
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Roger Federer delivered a memorable commencement speech at Dartmouth College on June 9, 2024. In his address, he shared insights from his journey as a professional athlete and offered valuable lessons applicable to both personal and professional development. He also highlighted a significant piece of data for us all to reflect on when he said "I won almost 80% of singles matches... But I only won 54% of points. Even top ranked tennis players win barely more than half the points they play." Here are some more key highlights from his speech:


  1. Excitement and Honour: Federer expressed his excitement about being at Dartmouth, humorously noting that it was only his second time on a college campus and that he was receiving an honorary doctorate.


  2. Personal Experiences: He shared anecdotes from his life, including his early days in tennis and the nerves he felt when starting out. He emphasised the importance of being present and enjoying the moment.


  3. Lessons from Tennis: Federer outlined several key lessons he learned from tennis that are applicable in the workplace. Perhaps the two most relevant are:


    Effortless is a Myth: He discussed how hard work is often behind what appears to be effortless success, encouraging graduates to embrace the effort required to achieve their goals.


    Self-Belief: He highlighted the importance of believing in oneself and how this belief must be earned through hard work and perseverance.


  4. Resilience and Adaptability: Federer spoke about the inevitability of setbacks and the importance of resilience. He encouraged graduates to learn from failures and to adapt, emphasising that true champions are those who can overcome challenges.


  5. Community and Support: He acknowledged the role of family, friends, and mentors in achieving success, urging graduates to appreciate and recognize the support systems around them.


Federer's speech resonated with many, blending humour with profound insights, making it a memorable moment for the graduates and attendees alike.



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