Roger Federer has redefined the concept of retirement, offering a fresh perspective on athletes transitioning from their professional careers. Addressing a graduating class at Dartmouth, Federer shared insights that challenged the traditional notion of retirement, drawing parallels between academic graduation and his own journey in tennis.

Federer, whose daughter Bella recently graduated from Dartmouth, reflected on his own path, having left school at 16 to pursue tennis full time. He likened his graduation from tennis to the academic milestone, emphasizing the need for a more positive term than “retirement.”

In his speech, Federer expressed disdain for the word “retire,” suggesting it carries negative connotations and does not accurately reflect the transition from one phase of life to another. Instead, he proposed the idea of “moving on” or “evolving,” echoing sentiments previously shared by Serena Williams.

Williams, who also chose to step away from professional tennis, has been vocal about her aversion to the word “retirement.” In a Vogue interview, she emphasized the importance of evolving from tennis rather than simply retiring from it, signaling a shift in mindset for athletes embarking on new chapters in their lives.

Federer’s perspective resonates not only with the graduating students but also with fellow athletes, offering a refreshing outlook on the transitions that occur in sports careers. By reframing the narrative surrounding retirement, Federer and Williams are encouraging athletes to embrace change and pursue new opportunities beyond the confines of their respective sports.