Roger Federer’s arrival in Shanghai ahead of his celebrity doubles match at the Masters 1000 event, led to a raucous roar from the crowd. The Swiss later interacted with his fans, signing autographs and clicking some photos with them.
Federer retired from tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup and teamed up with his longtime rival Rafael Nadal, who has also announced his retirement, for his final match. It was followed by an emotional farewell ceremony to mark the end of one of the most illustrious careers in tennis.However, the Swiss hasn’t been a stranger to the tennis world since and can often be seen visiting tournaments and interacting with the fans.
The 20-time Major champion has now arrived at the 2024 Shanghai Masters ahead of a special celebrity doubles match that will bring the best of the sporting world and entertainment industry together. The event will feature table tennis star and Olympic gold medalist Fan Zhendong, retired table tennis player Wang Liqin, China No. 1 Zhang Zhizhen, and Hong Kong pop-music icon Eason Chan.The 43-year-old sent the crowd into a frenzy when he arrived with a smart casual look and waved at them. He then quipped how there were a lot of phones at the venue before proceeding to sign autographs for the fans and click some photos during the meet-and-greet session.
The celebrity doubles will take place after all the matches for the day (October 11) are done.Earlier in the day, seventh seed Taylor Fritz ousted David Goffin 6-3, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. In men’s doubles, Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Metkic defeated Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Santiago Gonzales (3)6-7, 6-4, 10-6.At the time of writing, Jakub Mensik is facing fourth seed Novak Djokovic and both players have clinched a set each 7-6(4), 1-6.
Roger Federer was honored in an on-court ceremony during the Shanghai Masters last year
As seen above, Roger Federer’s retirement hasn’t hindered his popularity in China. The Swiss was honored in an on-court ceremony during the event last year, which also featured Li Na and Zhang Zhizhen. The former world No. 1 thanked the crowd for their unbridled support ever since his arrival on the tour.
“Ever since I showed up here as a teenager in 2002, maybe I even had a ponytail, I looked different, I played different, but I got so many fans, I feel like, from the first moment I came..I feel like I got the most incredible support here in Shanghai and in China. I’ve been very fortunate to play here for so many years,” Federer said (at 6:22).
Not only is he beloved in China, but Federer also has an impressive record at the Shanghai Masters. The Swiss Maestro lifted the trophy twice, in 2014 and 2017, and has a 23-6 record.
