Roger Federer continues to show that he can do almost anything he puts his mind to. On the heels of recently picking up a new hobby (golf), Federer, who left school at 16 to pursue tennis full-time, donned a graduation gown and made the keynote address as the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at Dartmouth University's Class of 2024 commencement.
Federer's 25-minute speech was filled with tidbits for the graduates on how to navigate life after leaving the grass of Dartmouth, a nod to his favorite grass at Wimbledon. He used tennis analogies to explain the misconception that being called out as effortless implies that no work is being put in and learning the art of picking yourself up after painful losses including what he viewed as one of his worst, the 2008 Wimbledon final to Rafael Nadal.
Roger Federer’s Commencement Address at Dartmouth yesterday might be the best speech he’s ever given.
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) June 10, 2024
Amazingly articulate, funny, full of wisdom. Made me laugh and tear up. I’m so very proud to have had him as my idol for the past two decades.
If you have 25 minutes to spare… pic.twitter.com/qfd9io9kzV
He also encouraged the graduates to engage in philanthropy and exercise kindness to the people around them as they embark on their next chapter. Federer called himself a 2022 tennis 'graduate' who had a couple of years on them in figuring out what to do after a big chapter of his life ended. He also stated the obvious by calling 'retired' to describe a former professional athlete a horrible word choice.
Roger Federer continues to be a busy tennis 'graduate'
If it feels like Federer is everywhere, it is because he is. He is an investor in the ON lifestyle brand that sponsors Ben Shelton and Iga Swiatek. ON recently signed a new brand ambassador outside of professional tennis, actress and performer Zendaya. Zendaya's ties to the sport are notorious after starring in the 2024 motion picture Challengers.
It’s On 😏 @on_running pic.twitter.com/RVxYqIgbCa
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) June 6, 2024
Federer is also preparing for his Amazon Prime documentary entitled Federer: Twelve Final Days to drop on June 20, and he was one of the former World No. 1 players featured in the ATP video welcoming Jannik Sinner to the club.
The trailer for Roger Federer’s documentary ‘Federer: Twelve Final Days’ just dropped.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 14, 2024
One of the most legendary & iconic athletes in the history of sports, period.
It comes out on Amazon Prime Video on June 20th.
Can’t wait to see this. 🇨🇭🥹
pic.twitter.com/89S5us0Dcq
He continues to be an ambassasor for the sport in retirement, and tennis fans are happy to see him and his family out and about though he is still missed on the court.