Swiss tennis icon Roger Federer has refuted the idea that his legendary playing style was “effortless”, instead emphasizing the hard work and determination that underpinned his illustrious career.
Regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Federer’s extraordinary record includes a total of 20 grand slam men’s singles titles, a feat surpassed only by his contemporaries Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Despite his retirement from professional tennis in 2022, Federer’s legacy and influence in the game remain unparalleled.
In his graduation speech at Dartmouth College, where he received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree, Federer addressed recent claims about his seemingly “effortless” style of play. He refuted the idea that his success was solely based on natural talent, revealing the amount of hard work and dedication that went into honing his craft.
“People would say my play was effortless. Most of the time, they meant it as a compliment,” Federer shared during his address. “But it used to frustrate me when they would say: ‘He barely broke a sweat’, or: ‘Is he even trying?’. The truth is, I had to work very hard to make it look easy. I didn’t get where I got on pure talent alone. I got there by trying to outwork my opponents. Most of the time, it’s not about having a gift. It’s about having grit.”
Federer also imparted valuable lessons that defined his approach to the game, particularly in handling adversity during matches. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and a resilient mindset, he highlighted the significance of not dwelling on past setbacks but rather fully committing to the present moment and the next challenge.
“When you lose every second point, on average, you learn not to dwell on every shot,” Federer explained. “This mindset is really crucial, because it frees you to fully commit to the next point and the next one after that with intensity, clarity and focus. You want to become a master at overcoming hard moments. That to me is the sign of a champion.”
Federer’s words serve as a reminder that behind the grace and elegance of his playing style lies a steely determination and unwavering work ethic that propelled him to the summit of the sport. His career stands as a testament to the power of resilience and perseverance in achieving greatness, inspiring aspiring athletes and fans across the globe.
Sources:
– Dartmouth College Graduation Speech, Roger Federer, 2022