With Wimbledon just two weeks away, one of the greatest players of all time has given the world an insight into the mind of a champion.
Roger Federer was addressing the graduating class at an American college where he served up a reminder that he also has the gift of the gab.
He retired in 2022, so no longer has his racquet to do the talking.
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But just as he had crowds around the world hanging on every point, students at Dartmouth University were hanging on every word.
“Like you, I’ve finished one big thing and I’m moving on to the next, ” Federer told the graduates.
“Like you, I’m figuring out what that is, graduates, I feel your pain, I know what it’s like when people keep asking what your plan is for the rest of your life.”
Draped in the college graduation garb, the 42 year-old looked and sounded every bit the part, even if he didn’t feel like it.
“Really, you have no idea how excited I am, keep in mind, this is literally only the second time I’ve ever set foot on a college campus, second time ever,” he said.
With 20 majors under his belt, outside of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, few had Federer’s measure.
Among the elite few, however is Australia’s John Millman.
“It was a career highlight for myself, I think it always is when you play against one of these all-time greats, and Roger is an all-time great,” Millman said.
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“Managing to knock him off on the biggest stages was pretty incredible for me.”
Millman would finish his career with a 1-3 head to head record with Federer.
His admiration for the man he conquered on that night in New York was memorable.
So too, were the multi-millionaire’s humble food choices on the tour.
“I remember being with him in Zurich, and after our match, after a training session we went to the clubhouse to have our meal,” Millman recalled.
“I’m thinking ‘what does Roger Federer eat?’ and I’m thinking a filet mignon, you know, some fancy steak.
“No he had his wurstsalat, which is chopped spam with a bit of salad dressing, and he was as happy as anything.”
Federer’s modesty remains one of the most admirable parts of his character – and extends also to the court.
“Most of the time, it’s not about having a gift, it’s about having grit,” Federer said.
“In tennis, a great forehand with sick racket head speed can be called a talent, but in tennis, like in life, discipline is also a talent, and so is patience.
“Trusting yourself is a talent.”