It’s Only a Point…
Is the ball in? Or is it out? In a tennis match, the answer could mean the difference between winning and losing a game, a set, or the match. But, according to tennis legend Roger Federer, wherever the ball lands – whether in tennis or in life – it’s only a point.
In his June 9 commencement speech to the 2024 graduating class at Dartmouth, Federer delivered a personal, down-to-earth, and uplifting message that he calls “Tennis Lessons.” There were only three:
1) Effortless is a myth. Only hard work and grit can make what you do appear to be effortless.
2) It’s only a point. Maintain a positive mindset and self-belief, focus and look forward, not back.
3) Life is bigger than the court. Fulfillment and true success are having a life outside of your career.
I confess that I was one of Federer’s enthusiastic fans. It was exciting, breathtaking fun to watch him play. Because of the seemingly impossible shots he made on center court, and because he played with a chess master’s intelligence and unbridled joy. A Federer match was guaranteed to make you bite your nails, laugh, jump up, and roar your approval.
Federer’s game was graceful not effortless, the result of his total commitment to grueling and intense training that supported his hunger to win. He thoroughly enjoyed his incredible, not-to-be-believed shots, and moved on from his misses. Off the court, he was a gentleman, gracious, humble, quick to laugh, a nice guy who made sure to prioritize his family and philanthropic foundation.
Many tennis nerds, like me, believe that Federer is the greatest male tennis player of all time. He learned his lessons well. He lives them on and off the court. We can all use and enjoy his tennis lessons. So, here they are:
Answer to Unpacking Education No. 31, Question of the Day:
Willie Mays joined the New York Giants in 1950 and stayed with them when they traveled west and became the San Francisco Giants, a total of 21 seasons. For his last two years as a major league ball player (1972 and 1973), Mays played for the New York Mets. So, the correct answer is e) The Giants and the Mets.