Federer set for exhibition doubles return in Shanghai in October
Roger Federer is set to make his long-awaited return to the court in front of a crows this autumn, in a special exhibition doubles event at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. The Swiss legend, who retired from professional tennis in September 2022 at the age of 41, will take part in a “Roger & Friends” event on October … Continued
Roger Federer, Hangzhou – Zhejiang, December 2019 | © Zuma / PsNewz
Roger Federer is set to make his long-awaited return to the court in front of a crows this autumn, in a special exhibition doubles event at the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
The Swiss legend, who retired from professional tennis in September 2022 at the age of 41, will take part in a “Roger & Friends” event on October 10, 2025, at the Qizhong Stadium, he announced in a video released on social media.
It will be Federer’s first on-court appearance in Shanghai since 2019, when he lost in quarter finals againt Zverev. The Swiss won the Chinese Masters 1000 twice, in 2014 and 2017 in singles.
The exhibition he is now promoting will see him team up with stars from sport and entertainment, including Chinese actor Wu Lei, action movie icon Donnie Yen, and former doubles world No. 3 Zheng Jie.
Federer’s return is expected to be one of the highlights of the Shanghai fortnight. The 20-time Grand Slam champion last played competitively at the Laver Cup in September 2022, partnering long-time rival Rafael Nadal in what became an emotional farewell match.
Last April, he said, in quotes shares by L’Equipe and TNT Sports : “Honestly, I’d love to play some more tennis again. I’d love to start playing like two-three times a week again and hopefully, get myself back on an exhibition court. Maybe fill up a few nice stadiums around the world”.
“I miss it a little bit to be honest because I haven’t played a whole lot since I retired. Just because I think my body needed a little break and maybe my mind also. I’ve played with my kids, you know but I’d really love to practice a little bit for myself as well. So I’ll do that as I keep on travelling and hopefully you’ll get to see me soon.”
