Dartmouth Tempts Roger Federer to Go ‘Pro’ in Sport Once Again but It’s Not in Tennis

Despite calling time on his illustrious career, Roger Federer is still making headlines for his off-court adventures. Hours ago, he received a massive honor for his philanthropic activities through his organization, the Roger Federer Foundation. The Swiss maestro was bestowed with Doctor of Humane Letters, an honorary degree received from Dartmouth. During his speech there, he hinted about turning pro in a unique sport.

At 42, Federer still has the athletic bug inside him. As a result, while spending time at Dartmouth, he was introduced to the one staple sport at every college – ‘Beer Pong.’ While not quite as athletic as tennis, the history of the ‘sport’ at the New Hampshire college had even Roger Federer interested in ‘Pong’, which Dartmouth plays a little differently with a paddle.

It may be wildly different than tennis – no neat lines of 78 feet x 27 feet box but an 8′ (2.44 m) long, 24” (61 cm) wide, and set at a height of 27.5” (70 cm) table. But no one can deny that the objective of landing the ball inside the beer cup with some success isn’t as addictive as trying to make your opponent run across the court, chasing the fluorescent yellow ball.

Wanting to become a pro in this sport, Federer said, “There’s another reason why I’m here, and I can sum it up in two words: Beer pong. Or pong as you call it. And I guess you can call it what you would like. I’m told Dartmouth invented it. Now, this sport… Wait. Is pong a sport? Or is it a way of life?”

It is indeed a way of life! Once the only college-sponsored drinking game in history, per The Dartmouth Review, the college revoked the rule in 1977. But by the 1980s, pong was officially an essential college experience. Something Federer might find in common here is the smashing serve.

“Pong involved both fast serves and serves using subterfuge, surprise, lack of convention, and distraction (even physical distraction in doubles),” an  Alpha Chi ’79 alum told The Review. The Swiss maestro had an apt comparison for the game then!

He went on to add, “Dartmouth is the Wimbledon of pong. And it’s even raining like in Wimbledon. So I’m glad to work on my shots with some of you these past few days. I’m actually thinking about turning pro.”

Well, the Ivy League college might certainly welcome one of the greatest athletes of all time with open arms! Despite his playful admission, Federer looked nervous while receiving the honorary degree. During the speech, he explained why he wasn’t used to such a stage.

Roger Federer ‘wasn’t sure’ to receive the massive honor

It is no secret that Federer is extremely humble and down-to-earth in nature. As a result, when he was called on the stage to receive the Doctor of Humane Letters, he looked a tad nervous despite being a renowned personality. Subsequently, he made a candid confession about it.

Federer mentioned, “I wasn’t sure. Thank you everybody. This is literally only the second time I’ve ever set foot on a college campus. But for some reason, you are giving me a doctorate degree. I just came here to give a speech but I get to go home as Dr. Roger, that’s a pretty nice bonus.”

It is another feather in the cap for Federer, adding to the infinite honors he has received in his tennis career. A well-deserved honor, Federer continues to serve mankind, after serving thousands of aces in his tennis career!

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