Roger Federer is set to play his first match in front of a live audience since retiring from professional tennis in 2022. The Swiss legend, who won 103 career titles, will take part in an exhibition doubles match in Shanghai, marking a significant moment for fans and the sport alike.
The event, titled “Roger and Friends Celebrity Doubles,” will feature Federer teaming up with Hong Kong-American actor and filmmaker Donnie Yen against Chinese actor Wu Lei and former tennis star Zheng Jie. The match is scheduled to follow the final quarter-final of the Shanghai Masters ATP 1000 between Daniil Medvedev and Alex De Minaur.
Shanghai’s special connection with Federer
Federer’s ties to China run deep. He participated in the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympics and has made several visits to the country since stepping away from the professional tour. Earlier this week, he visited a local school in Shanghai to unveil newly-renovated tennis courts, reinforcing his commitment to growing the sport.
“Shanghai has a special place in my heart, and to see the game thriving here is incredibly rewarding. Giving young players and the community access to good facilities is key to growing the game,”
Federer told Forbes.A backdrop of elite competition
The exhibition coincides with the Shanghai Masters, which runs until October 12. While US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz and Wimbledon winner Jannik Sinner have withdrawn due to injury, top contenders like Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev remain in the hunt for the title.
Federer’s appearance adds a celebratory note to the tournament, offering fans a rare opportunity to see one of the sport’s most beloved figures back on court. Though no further details have been released about the format or duration of the match, anticipation is high.
Injuries and the road to retirement
Federer’s final years on tour were marked by recurring injuries, with his last Grand Slam final coming at Wimbledon in 2019, where he lost a five-set thriller to Novak Djokovic. He officially retired at age 41, closing a chapter that spanned over two decades and redefined modern tennis.
In October 2024, he played an exhibition match in Shanghai, but this year’s event will be his first in front of a live crowd since stepping away from the ATP circuit. The return, though symbolic, reflects his enduring influence and passion for the game.