You can neither keep Roger Federer away from tennis nor tennis away from Roger Federer! Despite hanging up his racquets in 2022, the Swiss Maestro has an enduring bond with the sport that keeps drawing him back to the courts. His frequent appearances at tennis events have continued to exhilarate fans and the entire tennis community worldwide. Adding to this exhilaration, Federer is once again pumped up to return to the courts soon after his latest appearance at Wimbledon.

Federer was spotted on the grass courts of the All-England Club on July 4, for the first time this season. He returned to the courts again on July 6 and engaged in some crucial discussions about the future of tennis. Just a day ahead of his first presence, his wife Mirka, was also spotted with her daughter, watching the clash between Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini. Now soon after this grand presence, the veteran of the sport is scheduled to elate his fans again.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter,) a Federer fan revealed on Saturday that the Swiss Maestro would return to the tennis courts, and this time in China. “Tennis legend Roger Federer, the “Super Friend” of the Rolex Shanghai Masters, will make a special appearance on October 11. Federer is poised to deliver more spectacular moments after his unforgettable visit last year. #RForever 🇨🇳.” The event, which is scheduled to take place between October 2 and October 13, will welcome the ‘King’ for the second time after he quit playing the sport.

The former World No. 1 was present in Shanghai in 2023 as well when the Chinese tennis fans had the opportunity to pay tribute to him for the first time after his retirement. 103-time tour-level titlist was also honored with an Icon Athlete Award in a ceremony that also featured home WTA legend Li Na and the No. 1 Chinese player in the ATP Rankings, Zhang Zhizhen. Federer’s return to China is not special for just his fans but also for the tennis legend himself.

Why is 2017 a special year for Federer and how is Shanghai Masters related to it?

Federer has ruled the tennis arena for years. But 2017 turned out to be a special year for the legend and he himself acknowledged this in Shanghai last year. Speaking about the year, he said that it will forever be special for him. When questioned about his victory against Rafael Nadal in the finals of the tournament in 2017, Federer shared,

“I thought I played extremely well in that match… I played a fantastic tournament and a fantastic year.” Continuing further, he revealed the importance of that year for him. “For me it was a dream year and I believe it was the last time I won the Rolex Shanghai Masters, so of course it’s forever special. It was a terrific week, and I loved the battles I had with Rafa. I’m happy I won the final here that year.” It was indeed a great season for Federer.

The Swiss Maestro defeated Rafael Nadal in the final 6-4, 6-3. This was Federer’s fifth straight victory over Nadal in their rivalry. Besides he also won the Australian Open and Wimbledon despite coming from a surgery in his right knee, that involved trimming a part of his meniscus. 

Coming back to his return to Shanghai, it will be interesting to see what new Federer brings with him this time and how ecstatic the fans would be to witness him yet again!