Renowned tennis icon Roger Federer, invited by the Rolex Shanghai Masters, recently embarked on a leisurely exploration of the city, creating unexpected moments and connecting with local fans. The Swiss maestro, a two-time champion at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in 2014 and 2017, graciously accepted the invitation despite his retirement from professional tennis in September 2022 due to persistent knee issues.
Federer, now 42, has shifted his focus to various business ventures, including partnerships with prestigious brands such as Rolex, Mercedes-Benz, and Moet & Chandon. The Rolex Shanghai Masters extended a warm welcome to the 20-time Major winner, inviting him to take a casual stroll through the city he had graced with his tennis prowess.
A short clip shared on the tournament’s social media showcased the delightful encounter as tournament host Jason visited Federer at his hotel. Undeterred by a light evening drizzle, the duo set out to explore the vibrant city of Shanghai. Their impromptu adventure led them to an alley adorned with grocery stores, where a small vegetable shop captured their attention.
In a heartwarming moment, the tennis legend and his host examined the fresh vegetables on display before being interrupted by an awe-struck Chinese local. Recognizing Federer, the fan revealed that he had witnessed the Swiss maestro’s performances at the Qi Zhong Stadium, the venue synonymous with the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
Visibly pleased by the unexpected encounter, Federer expressed his gratitude to the enthusiastic fan. The interaction concluded with the local admirer excitedly proclaiming to the shopkeeper, “He is Roger Federer!”
Federer, are you Federer ? 😊 pic.twitter.com/aeQLUelYn5
— Dinora♥RF 🐐 (@norinchi_df) January 6, 2024
This charming episode not only highlights Federer’s enduring popularity and global appeal but also showcases the power of tennis to forge connections beyond the court. As Federer continues to make his mark in the world beyond tennis, these spontaneous moments exemplify the lasting impact he has had on fans worldwide.
Roger Federer in 2024
Ranked no., Roger played his last match on the 7th of July 2021 when he lost to world no.9 Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6(4) 6-0 in the quarter in Wimbledon (draw).
Currently, during this season Roger has managed to achieve a 9-4 record.
