Roger Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, made a triumphant return to the Rolex Shanghai Masters on Friday for an exhibition doubles match. The Swiss legend, who has won the ATP Masters 1000 event in Shanghai twice before (in 2014 and 2017), was greeted with cheers and excitement from the crowd as he stepped onto the court.
Before his match, Federer ran into his old rival Novak Djokovic, who had just finished a tough quarter-final match against #NextGenATP star Jakub Mensik. The two champions shared a friendly moment, with Federer jokingly calling Djokovic “Old Man” as they shook hands. It was a heartwarming sight for fans who have witnessed the intense rivalry between these two tennis greats over the years.
Federer’s doubles partner for the exhibition match was Eason Chan, a popular Chinese singer and actor. The pair faced off against the top Chinese player in the PIF ATP Rankings, Zhang Zhizhen, and table tennis champion Fan Zhendong. Despite it being a light-hearted match, the four players treated the fans to some great exchanges and entertaining moments.
This was not Federer’s first time visiting Shanghai. Last year, he was honored with the Icon Athlete Award from the tournament, in recognition of his incredible career and achievements in the sport. The 103-time tour-level titlist has always been a fan favorite in Shanghai, and his return was met with great enthusiasm from the crowd.
The exhibition match was a reminder of the long-standing rivalry between Federer and Djokovic. The two have faced each other 50 times in their careers, with Djokovic currently leading their Lexus ATP Head2Head series 27-23. However, their on-court battles have always been filled with respect and admiration for each other’s talents, and their off-court friendship is evident in moments like this.
The Rolex Shanghai Masters is not just a tournament for the players, but also a celebration of the sport and its legends. Federer’s presence at the event is a testament to his enduring popularity and his status as one of the greatest players in the history of tennis. His return to Shanghai was a treat for fans, who were able to witness his skills and charisma on the court once again.
The exhibition match was a perfect way to end the day at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, leaving fans with a sense of joy and nostalgia. It was a reminder of the incredible journey that Federer has had in the sport, and his ability to bring people together through his love for tennis. As the crowd cheered and applauded, it was clear that Federer’s impact on the sport and its fans will continue to be felt for years to come.
In conclusion, Roger Federer’s return to the Rolex Shanghai Masters for the exhibition match was a memorable and heartwarming moment for fans. It was a reminder of his greatness as a player and his enduring popularity among fans all over the world. As he continues to inspire and entertain us with his skills and sportsmanship, we can only hope to see more of Federer in the years to come.
