Roger Federer is making a long-awaited return to the tennis court—this time in a special exhibition match at the 2025 Shanghai Masters.
It’s been over four years since the Swiss legend last played a professional singles match, which took place at Wimbledon 2021. That match ended in a surprising and emotional exit, with Federer losing the final set 0–6 to Hubert Hurkacz—a quiet end to an extraordinary singles career.
In 2022, Federer officially bid farewell to professional tennis at the Laver Cup, teaming up with longtime rival and friend Rafael Nadal for a doubles match. Though the Laver Cup is technically an exhibition tournament (since no ATP points are awarded), the emotional weight of that match—especially with both legends sharing the court one final time—cemented it as a historic moment in the sport.
Now at 44, Federer is ready to return, not in competition, but in celebration. On October 10th, he will headline the “Roger & Friends Celebrity Doubles Match” at the Qizhong Tennis Center—home of the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
Joining Federer on court for the exhibition evening will be a mix of celebrities and athletes, including renowned actor and martial artist Donnie Yen, popular Chinese actor Wu Lei, and former WTA star Zheng Jie. The event promises a light-hearted, entertaining atmosphere—far from the high-stakes matches Federer once dominated.
The announcement came via the Shanghai Masters’ official social media, with Federer himself sharing a warm message:
“Hello, this is Roger, and 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, unforgettable memories, and a real love for the game. I look forward to seeing you there on October 10th. Shanghai, let’s meet!”
Federer’s Legacy in Shanghai
Shanghai holds a special place in Federer’s illustrious career. He lifted the trophy there twice—first in 2014, defeating Gilles Simon, and again in 2017 with a commanding win over Rafael Nadal.
Among the all-time greats at the Shanghai Masters, Federer ranks just behind Andy Murray (3 titles) and Novak Djokovic (4 titles). However, Federer still holds a unique record: in 2017, he became the oldest champion in the tournament’s history at 36 years, 2 months, and 7 days.
Could that record fall this year? Veterans like Marin Cilic, Stan Wawrinka, Gael Monfils, Roberto Bautista Agut, and Novak Djokovic are all older—but whether they’ll participate or go deep in the tournament remains uncertain, due to rankings and injuries.
A Moment to Celebrate the Maestro
While this upcoming match won’t impact any rankings, it’s a special opportunity for fans to once again see Federer on court—smiling, swinging, and soaking up the love from a city where he’s always been adored.
For many, October 10th will be less about the scoreline and more about honoring a living legend. Federer’s appearance at the Shanghai Masters reminds us of the joy he brought to the sport—and just how much he’s still missed on the competitive stage.
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