Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Roger Federer Set for 2025 Shanghai Return in Star-Studded “Roger & Friends” Exhibition Match

Swiss great to reunite with fans in 2025 Shanghai for his first on-court appearance since retiring in 2022.

Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Tennis fans will see Roger Federer back on court this autumn at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. As the Swiss legend headlines a special “Roger & Friends” exhibition doubles event at Qizhong Stadium. Scheduled for October 10, it will mark his first appearance in Shanghai since the 2019 quarterfinal loss to Alexander Zverev and his first time playing in front of crowds since retiring from professional tennis in September 2022.

Federer, 44, will be joined by a mix of sporting and entertainment stars, including Chinese actor Wu Lei, martial arts icon Donnie Yen, and former doubles world No. 3 Zheng Jie. The 20-time Grand Slam champion has already twice lifted the Shanghai trophy, in 2014 and 2017.

Roger Federer is coming back to Shanghai 🤩

Join us on October 10th for the @rogerfederer and Friends Celebrity Doubles Match!#rolexshanghaimasters pic.twitter.com/6gpnkFfl6B
— Rolex Shanghai Masters (@SH_RolexMasters) August 10, 2025

Federer’s Shanghai Story Comes Full Circle

The exhibition has quickly emerged as one of the most anticipated highlights of the two-week tournament, given that it is Roger Federer. “Shanghai has always been a special place for me, with great fans, unforgettable memories, and a real love for the game,” Federer said in the event’s promotional video.

In eight Shanghai Masters appearances, he compiled a 23-6 singles record, claiming his first title in 2014 with a win over Gilles Simon and his second in 2017 by defeating Rafael Nadal. The last time Federer stepped onto Qizhong’s center court in competition, he fell to Zverev in the 2019 quarters, a gap he’s finally closing with this exhibition return.

Friend Federer is coming back! On October 10, Jiushi Stadium Qizhong Tennis Center😊@rogerfederer @SH_RolexMasters pic.twitter.com/IjbFaPVlvD
— Dinora♥RF 🐐 (@norinchi_df) July 19, 2025

This comeback fulfills a personal wish he expressed in April 2024 to L’Équipe and TNT Sports: “Honestly, I’d love to play some more tennis again. I’d love to start playing like two-three times a week again and hopefully get myself back on an exhibition court. Maybe fill up a few nice stadiums around the world.”

His final professional match, at the 2022 Laver Cup, saw him team with Nadal against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in a tearful farewell that underscored his enduring place in tennis lore. Over more than two decades, Federer amassed 103 ATP singles titles, including 20 majors, and earned a reputation for elegance and competitive grace.

Roger Federer played 1526 professional matches in his career and didn't retire from ANY of them 🤯

He never left the court without finishing the match 😳🎾 pic.twitter.com/1CztTr3kuS
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) August 9, 2025

For tennis fans, October 10 will be a celebration of Federer’s legacy and a reminder that while his professional career has ended, the magic in his game remains timeless.

Mandatory Image Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Roger Federer

Shanghai Masters 2025

Rudra Dubey

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.