- Roger Federer was honored at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, showcasing his lasting popularity in China even after retirement.
- Federer has a special connection with China, appreciating the tremendous support he has received from Chinese fans throughout his career.
- The ceremony celebrated Federer’s successful history at the Shanghai Masters, emphasizing memorable matches and the evolution of tennis in China.
Retired tennis legend Roger Federer was given a warm reception in China as he graced the Rolex Shanghai Masters for an on-court ceremony. The event, held on Friday, allowed Chinese fans to pay tribute to the Swiss maestro for the first time since his retirement in September 2022.
During the ceremony, Federer was presented with the Icon Athlete Award, a testament to his extraordinary career in tennis. The event was made even more special by the presence of other tennis icons, including home-grown legend Li Na and China’s No. 1 player in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, Zhang Zhizhen.
Federer expressed his delight at returning to an event where he had an impressive track record, boasting a 23-6 win-loss record and securing the championship in 2014 and 2017. He reminisced about his noteworthy victories, particularly recalling his 2017 triumph over his great rival Rafael Nadal in the championship match.
“I played Rafa on so many occasions, not in every tournament I played but almost in all the big matches around the world, and I’m happy we could do it here, not just once but three times,” Federer shared. “It’s even more special if it’s in a final. I thought I played extremely well in that match… I played a fantastic tournament and a fantastic year when I came back [after] my knee problem.”
Federer’s popularity in China has been longstanding, demonstrated early in his career when he inaugurated the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in 2005. He has continued to appreciate the support of Chinese fans throughout his career.
“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,” said Federer. “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.”
The ceremony also provided Federer an opportunity to interact with fans, taking selfies with them from the court. The celebration featured reminiscences of his memorable matches in Shanghai and recognition of the growth of tennis in China, with Federer acknowledging the presence of a future superstar in Zhang Zhizhen.
Roger Federer remains a tennis icon, cherished by fans worldwide, and his impact on the sport and its community continues to endure even in his retirement.
