2024 Commencement Address by Roger Federer at Dartmouth

The Nugget

Roger Federer emphasizes that success requires hard work and resilience, using his own tennis career as a metaphor for life's challenges. He encourages graduates to embrace their unique journey and learn from both victories and losses.

Make it stick

🎾 Effortless is a myth: Success often looks easy, but it’s the result of hard work behind the scenes.
🏆 It’s only a point: Losing is part of the game; the important thing is to keep moving forward and focus on the next opportunity.
🌏 Life is bigger than the court: Prioritize broader experiences and contributions beyond your main passion or profession.
💪 Your support network matters: Relationships with friends, family, and colleagues are crucial for personal and professional success.

Effortless is a Myth: True success comes from hard work and discipline, not just talent.
It’s Only a Point: Learn to move on from failures; every setback is just a moment in time, not a reflection of your entire journey.
Life is Bigger than the Court: Pursue diverse experiences and engage with the world beyond your primary focus.
Support Systems: Recognize the impact of your community; familial and social support is essential to your growth.

Federer illustrates how transitioning between phases of life (like retirement from tennis) involves uncertainty but also opportunity for growth.
He shares his journey from being an athlete to focusing on philanthropy and family, showing that new paths can be rewarding.

Graduating from Dartmouth symbolizes the start of a unique path, where every individual has the potential to contribute significantly to society.
Federer reflects on his experiences, urging graduates to appreciate their own journeys while recognizing that it’s okay to not have everything figured out.

"Effortless is a myth. I didn’t get where I got them pure talent alone."
"Losing is part of the game; it’s only a point."
"Life is bigger than the court. Tennis can show you the world, but it can never be the world."
"Philanthropy can mean starting a non-profit or contributing your time and

This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.