Coco Gauff’s Coach Brad Gilbert Hat Tips Roger Federer’s ‘Resilient’ Speech That Inspired Dartmouth Graduates

Roger Federer has not just impressed the world by his tennis skills, but his humility as well. The 20-time Grand Slam champion has often shared bits of advice that resonates with society for a very long time. His recent speech at Dartmouth College was no exception as it received widespread praise from the tennis community. In the latest, Brad Gilbert also joined the fray and lauded the thoughts of the Swiss Maestro.

On June 9, the tennis legend attended an event hosted by Dartmouth College’s athletic club. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by the Ivy League college for his $100 million philanthropy work. While addressing the Class of 2024 at the same event, Dr. Federer, shared some invaluable life lessons. 

One of the key life lessons that Roger Federer shared was about perfection. He explained that it is impossible to remain perfect. To validate this, he used examples from his professional career. “In the 1,526 singles matches I played in my career, I won almost 80% of those matches.” However, he revealed that if broken this rate into points, he has won just 54% of the points that he has played. 

He further highlighted in the same speech that life is uncertain. “When you’re playing a point, it is the most important thing in the world. But the truth is, whatever game you play in life, sometimes you’re going to lose.” Adding that life is a series of roller coaster rides, Federer said, “A point, a match, a season, a job: it’s a roller coaster, with many ups and downs.” He also shared that upon losing a point, a player does not dwell on every short, but learns to think.

These excerpts from his speech were widely appreciated by Coco Gauff’s coach Brad Gilbert. The former American player took to his X account and lauded the Tennis legend. He also highlighted the resilient attitude of the Swiss and pointed at his life lessons. 

“Truly amazing 🤩 speech 🎤 from @rogerfederer love the point free yourself from last point next point, the fact he stated about winning  only 54% of points in career, great players lose a lot of points resilience in tennis and life are so crucial positive attitude wins out🙏👍😎👌👊💪”

This was, however, not the only life lesson that Roger Federer shared at the event. The Tennis Maestro also revealed the advice that he imparts to his children about maintaining a ‘happy spirit.’

Roger Federer’s advice to his children is a guiding light for many

Ahead of the Commencement Programme and the degree distribution, Roger Federer engaged in a discussion with the President of Dartmouth College Sian Leah Beilock. His advice about maintaining a ‘happy spirit’ was truly a lifelong lesson for many and was worth noting.

Discussing the importance of maintaining a happy spirit, Federer revealed the advice he imparts to his children. “I just told my kids last week, we were not born to be unhappy, you know, go through life always sad. And always worrying and always fighting, and always complaining,” he said.

He emphasized that living a life filled with unhappiness and negativity is not a worthwhile pursuit. “I mean that cannot be the idea, that you go through life that way. So I believe very much in a happy spirit.”

The speech that the legendary tennis player delivered is considered to be his best so far by many. The lecture, which was full of wisdom, humor, and relevancy holds immense value and has the potential to shape several lives.