The veterans of tennis are slowly fading into the sunset, with their legacy being the guiding lights and records for the youngsters. The newer generation is taking the mantle from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and others. But no matter who holds the top spot, there are some moments that are impossible to forget about, where even one stroke of the ball might have produced a different result. So was the case with Rafa vs Roger, Wimbledon of 2008.

During his speech at Dartmouth College, where he was receiving his honorary doctorate, the Doctor of Humane Letters for his philanthropic work, Roger Federer shared a few of his most crucial life learnings with the graduating class. Sharing some lessons he drew from what many call the greatest tennis match of all time, the Swiss Maestro said, “You know I tried not to lose, but I did lose sometimes. For me, the biggest was the finals at Wimbledon in 2008 Me Vs Nadal. Some call it the greatest match of all time.”

At the end of an exhausting 5+ hours game, the scoreline read an insane 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7 at 9:21 pm. Night had descended and HawkEye was no longer functional. It was the third of the famous Fedal matches and Federer was aiming for his 6th consecutive title, something no other player had done before on grass.

While Rafa is known for his clay court prowess, Federer was famous for his Grass court exploits. Hence to defeat the latter at his favourite tournament was life going against the flow. And even now the Swiss tennis legend could not digest his defeat, as he further said in his speech, “Okay, all respect to Rafa, but I think it would have been way way better if I had won. Losing at Wimbledon was a big deal, because winning Wimbledon is everything!”

London’s infamous showers had caused match delays but the Swiss legend barely remembered it. On the 10th anniversary of the game, he said in 2018, “It was one of the matches I tried to sort of forget a little bit. I remember it being dark. I remember the passing shot down the line. I remember the things I said pretty much vaguely. I hardly remember there were rain delays, to be honest.”

It was certainly the greatest match of time, as it still stays in memory. However, the 20-time Grand Slam champion also knows the fact that moving on is the only thing to be done.

However, Federer wasn’t in Dartmouth just to encourage and usher the graduating class. He was awarded an honorary degree as well, despite only ever setting foot on a college campus twice in his life!

‘Dr.’ Roger Federer gets emotional as he accepts his degree at Dartmouth 

The tennis star turned philanthropist was acknowledged for his contribution to the society by the Dartmouth. He was accorded the Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the department. The yesteryear tennis star, gave a humble speech as he accepted his degree.

oger Federer said, “I’m glad I got to meet so many of you these past few days. And if you are ever in Switzerland or anywhere else in the world, and you see me on the street. Even 20 or 30 years from now, whether I have grey hair or no hair. I want you to stop me and say, ‘I was there that day on the green. I’m a member of your class, the class of 2024,’ I will never forget this day, yeah.”

Such a beautiful way of conveying his solidarity and making his presence felt to his fellow graduates! Though he might have regrets about losing to Rafa, the Swiss tennis sensation has been the idol of millions of people. And he keeps connecting with more and more as he continues his charity work. For the good of the society!