“I outworked my opponents,” Roger Federer shares the value of hard work to Dartmouth College graduates

Federer won eight Wimbledon titles, a record no other player has attained.

“I outworked my opponents,” Roger Federer shares the value of hard work to Dartmouth College graduates

Roger Federer (Image via Imago)

Roger Federer‘s legendary status in tennis remains impeachable, despite retiring from the sport in 2022. Since retirement, he has been enjoying his time away from the sport. Recently, he graced Dartmouth College to give the commencement speech for new graduates.

The Swiss legend was honored with a degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at Dartmouth College in New England, USA. He gave a well-articulated speech, filled with wisdom, to the new graduates of the college. The 42-year-old had to use his life as a motivation for the graduates and didn’t hesitate to tell them about the importance of hard work.

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Federer became the first player to win the Grand Slam a record 20 times in the men’s singles. He changed the game by making it exciting to watch. Winning the Wimbledon a record eight times, six Australian Open, and five US Open are the hallmarks of his achievements. Not only that, he won the ATP Finals seven times and spent 310 weeks as World No.1.

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Roger Federer
Roger Federer(Via Imago)

During his speech at Dartmouth, Federer revealed that his success in the sport didn’t come from genius or talent but rather from hard work and pushing past barriers.

Hopefully, like me, you learned that effortless is a myth. I didn't get where I got them pure talent alone. I got there by trying to outwork my opponents. I believed in myself, but belief in yourself has to be earned. Before I would run away from their strength. If a guy had a strong forehand, I would try to hit his back hand but now I would try to go after his forehand. I tried to beat the baseliners from the baseline. I tried to beat the attackers by attacking.
Roger Federer said

He added that he made his game unique by amplifying and expanding his options while on the court. So, if one of them broke down, he had a whole arsenal of tactics to break down opponents with another stroke of mastery.

Roger Federer admits talent is an important fact but is not enough to achieve success

Roger Federer also admitted that talent is an important factor in tennis. But, emphasized that having it as a sole factor isn’t enough. The Swiss had to choose tennis over college education while growing up just to be a professional player.

Iga Swiatek
Roger Federer (Image via Imago)

He turned pro in 1998 just 17 but had to wait till 2001 to win his first ATP title at the Milan Indoors.

Yes, talent is, yes talent matters. I am not going to stand here, and tell you it doesn't. But talent has a broad definition. Most of the time, it's not about having a gift, it's about having grit.
Roger Federer stated

He learned to master his style of play and that paid off when he claimed his maiden Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2003. After that, what happened and what the sport of tennis saw is etched in history.

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