Roger Federer Set to Return to the Courts
Roger Federer, the celebrated Swiss tennis professional, is poised to return to the courts this year, participating in a charity exhibition match during the Shanghai Masters. This event marks his resurgence after a lengthy hiatus, as it has been over four years since he last engaged in a competitive singles match. His last official singles encounter occurred during the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, where Federer suffered a defeat against Hubert Hurkacz, with the final set ending 0-6 in Hurkacz’s favor.
Brief Return and Upcoming Exhibition Match
Federer did make a brief return to the tennis stage in 2022, but it was in a less conventional format at the Laver Cup, which is considered an exhibition tournament. There, he partnered with fellow tennis legend Rafael Nadal in a doubles match, ultimately losing to the American duo of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
Now, at the age of 44, Federer is set to grace the doubles court once again but in a festive exhibition atmosphere. He will headline an evening of entertainment titled “Roger & Friends Celebrity Doubles Match” on October 10th, hosted at the Qizhong Tennis Center, the venue for the Shanghai Masters. The event will feature an impressive lineup including actor Donnie Yen, fellow actor Wu Lei, and former Chinese tennis professional Zheng Jie.
Federer’s Legacy at the Shanghai Masters
Federer excitedly announced his participation through the event’s social media, expressing fondness for Shanghai, stating how the city holds cherished memories for him and that he looks forward to reconnecting with fans at the upcoming match.
As a testament to his prowess, Federer remains one of the most accomplished players in Shanghai Masters history, boasting two titles—one in 2014 against Gilles Simon and the other in 2017 after defeating Rafael Nadal. Only two players have surpassed this by capturing more titles: Andy Murray, with three victories from 2010 to 2016, and Novak Djokovic who leads the tournament with four titles secured between 2012 and 2018. Notably, Federer upholds the record for the oldest champion in the tournament’s history, claiming his second title at 36 years, 2 months, and 7 days old.
While several seasoned players, including Marin Cilic and Stan Wawrinka, could potentially eclipse this record, it remains uncertain how many will compete this year due to various injury concerns and their present standings in the sport.
