As we put a wrap on the Tennis US Open 2025 with a fantastic finals game, it’s appropriate for a spontaneous bonus post highlighting some amazing insights from one of the best tennis players to have ever played the game: Roger Federer.
Roger was asked to give the Commencement address to the Dartmouth College graduating class of 2024. He had never given a commencement address before but just like his tennis game, he absolutely crushed it. Here’s the quote that broke everyone’s brains at the time and continues to be a critical reminder of success in both life and business.
“Perfection is impossible. In the 1,526 singles matches I played in my career, I won almost 80% of those matches. Now, I have a question for all of you: What percentage of points do you think I won in those matches?
Only 54%. In other words: Even top-ranked tennis players win barely over half the points they play.”
“It’s only a point.”
- Roger Federer, 20 Grand Slam Tennis Titles
I remember bookmarking this commencement address over a year ago. I’ve been a tennis player all my life, and Roger Federer was one of the all time greats.
But this post isn’t about tennis. It’s about the lessons that a sport like tennis (or any sport) teaches you. It’s about reminding all of us to try to have a better life attitude.
It’s a leadership lesson for anyone competing in anything.
I took notes (as I always do) on my iPad notetaker. I was reviewing my notes recently and decided this needs to be a “bonus post” - it’s that important a message.
I hope you click play and listen. I’ve listened a half dozen times already.
Here are the notes I took - and I hope you take your own.
KEY LESSONS:
IT’S ONLY A POINT
You can work as hard as possible and still LOSE.
Perfection is impossible. It’s a myth.
1,526 singles matches - I won 80% of those matches.
But only 54% of the points in those matches.
Note: 54% wins you 20 Grand Slam Tennis Titles!
Top Ranked Tennis players lose almost every other point they play.
Your greatest shots and your worst shots are ONLY A POINT!
Negative energy is wasted energy. The sign of a champion is becoming a master at overcoming hard moments.
The best in the world aren't the best because they won every point, it's because they figured out how to deal with losing points.
LIFE IS BIGGER THAN THE COURT; LIFE IS A TEAM SPORT
Travel
Culture
Friendship
Family is bigger than any court
A tennis court is a small space. The world is a whole lot bigger than a tennis court. I never abandoned my roots. I never forgot where I came from.
“Your success depends on your team, your coaches, even your rivals.”
EFFORTLESS IS A MYTH
I had to work very hard to make it look easy. I spent years whining, swearing and throwing my rackets before I became disciplined.
Everyone can play well for the first 2 hours.
Winning effortlessly is the ultimate achievement.
I earned my wins by outworking my opponents and having strong self belief.
You need a whole arsenal of strengths. I worked on beating the baseliners from the baseline; I tried to beat the attackers by attacking; I tried to beat the net rushers by rushing the net. I worked on amplifying my arsenal of strengths.
Passionate practice… PS. This is the same with many other great athletes (Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant, and many more).
“Roger will be the favorite for the first 2 hours and I’ll be the favorite after that.” - One of Roger’s rivals
“I worked hard when nobody was watching. I didn’t get to where I got by pure talent alone.”
“Belief in yourself has to be earned.”
TALENT HAS A BROAD DEFINITION
Most of the time, it’s not about having a GIFT, it’s about having GRIT.
Discipline is talent.
Patience is a talent.
Managing your life. Managing yourself.
Trusting yourself is a talent.
Ok, those were my notes… time to make your own:
