Federer returns: Swiss maestro set for one more match in Shanghai Masters

Three years after bidding farewell to professional tennis, Roger Federer is set to return to the court at the 2025 Shanghai Masters. The 20-time Grand Slam champion will take part in a celebrity doubles match titled “Roger & Friends”, scheduled for October 10 at Qizhong Stadium.

Federer, who turned 44 on August 8, last played competitively at the 2022 Laver Cup in London. That final appearance, a doubles match alongside long-time rival and friend Rafael Nadal, was an emotional send-off, closing the curtain on a 24-year professional career.

The announcement of his Shanghai return was shared by the tournament organisers on X (formerly Twitter):

“Roger Federer is coming back to Shanghai. Join us on October 10th for the @rogerfederer and Friends Celebrity Doubles Match!”

Star-studded line-up for exhibition match

Though Federer’s partner for the upcoming match has not been officially revealed, the exhibition will feature a blend of stars from the world of sport and entertainment. Participants confirmed so far include Chinese actor Wu Lei, martial artist and actor Donnie Yen, and former tennis star Zheng Jie, a former World No. 3 in doubles and two-time Grand Slam champion.

In a promotional video, Federer expressed his excitement about returning to Shanghai:

“Hello, this is Roger. I’m really happy to be returning to the Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai for the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Shanghai has always been a special place for me, with great fans and unforgettable memories, and a real love for the game. I look forward to seeing you there on October 10th. Shanghai, let’s meet.”

A city close to Federer’s heart

Federer’s last appearance in Shanghai as a player was in 2017, when he lifted his second singles title at the event. Since retiring, he has continued to visit the city, including in 2023, when he was honoured with the Icon Athlete Award at Qizhong Stadium in front of a full crowd.

The Shanghai Masters, which runs from October 1 to 12 this year, is the penultimate ATP Masters 1000 tournament on the calendar and has previously been voted ATP Tournament of the Year by players. Federer watched last year’s final from the stands as Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic 7–6(4), 6–3.

Legacy of a legend

Federer retired in 2022 following an extraordinary career that included 20 Grand Slam singles titles—eight of them at Wimbledon—a record 310 weeks as World No. 1 (with 237 consecutive), and a total of 103 ATP singles titles. He also claimed Olympic gold in doubles with Stan Wawrinka in 2008 and a silver medal in singles at London 2012.

Earlier this year, Federer reunited with Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray at Roland Garros to celebrate Rafael Nadal’s legacy, particularly his record-breaking 14 French Open titles.

Ongoing ties with Shanghai and Rolex

Federer’s longstanding partnership with Rolex, the title sponsor of the Shanghai Masters, remains strong post-retirement. The Swiss watchmaker, which Federer has endorsed since 2001, continues to feature prominently in his appearances and brand affiliations.

His return to the court this October will mark not only a nostalgic moment for fans but a celebration of his enduring connection with Shanghai—a city he describes as “special” and filled with “unforgettable memories.”