Roger Federer said in his commencement speech that while tennis gave him a lot of memories, he gave equal importance to his experiences off the court, that included the places he visited and the people he met throughout his career.
“Tennis has given me so many memories but my off-court experiences are the ones I carry forward just as much. The places I’ve gotten to travel, the platform that lets me give back, and most of all, the people I’ve met along the way,” the 42-year-old said.
Tennis, like life, is a team sport. Yes, you stand alone on your side of the net, but success depends on your team. Your coaches, your teammates, even your rivals, all these influences help you to make you who you are,” he added.
Roger Federer further credited his family for their support and highlighted how his wife Mirka and their four children, Myla, Charlene, Leo, and Lenny brought unity to his life.
“I learned this way of thinking from my parents. They always supported me, always encouraged me, always understood what I wanted and needed to be,” he added. “My family is a team, also feel very lucky my incredible wife Mirka, who makes every joy in my life even brighter, and our four amazing children Myla, Charlene, Leo and Lenny are here with me today. And more important, we are here for each other every day.”
Roger Federer’s illustrious career ended at the 2022 Laver Cup where he represented Team Europe. The Swiss teamed up with rival Rafael Nadal in his farewell match and the two took on Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
Federer and Nadal won the opening set before the Americans bounced back and beat them 4-6, 7-6 [11-9].