Roger Federer confirms his comeback with more show than tennis at the Shanghai Masters

After three years of competitive silence, Roger Federer is picking up his racket again. The official announcement came on August 10: the Swiss legend will take part in the Friends Celebrity Doubles Match at the 2025 Shanghai Masters. It’s not a return to the ATP Tour, but it’s a reappearance that promises nostalgia, star power, and plenty of flair.

Roger Federer, now 44, hasn’t stepped on court since his emotional farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup. Since then, he’s focused on family, his educational foundation in Africa, and reflecting on his legacy. But as he told L’Équipe back in April, the desire to return never really faded. “I’d like to train a bit, two or three times a week. And I hope to play exhibitions again, fill stadiums around the world,” Federer said, hinting at what’s now becoming reality.

An event beyond tennis

According to Essentiallysports, the venue couldn’t be more symbolic: the Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai. Roger Federer has lifted two titles there and played some unforgettable matches. This time, he won’t be alone. He’ll share the court with Zheng Jie, former world No. 15 and a trailblazer in Chinese women’s tennis. Zheng, a semifinalist at Wimbledon and the Australian Open, and an Olympic doubles medalist, brings experience and charisma to a duo that promises elegance and chemistry.

 

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But this event goes far beyond tennis. Shanghai is set to host a crossover of worlds. Actor Donnie Yen, known for his role in John Wick 4, and TV star Wu Lei will also be part of the lineup. The mix of sport and celebrity turns this exhibition into a hybrid show, where tennis is the thread—but entertainment is the heartbeat.

Busy since retirement

Roger Federer hasn’t competed since 2022, but his magnetism hasn’t faded. Just think back to the Match in Africa in 2020, when he packed Cape Town Stadium with over 50,000 fans alongside Nadal, Bill Gates, and Trevor Noah. Federer doesn’t need a ranking to fill seats—his aura does the job.

Since retiring, Roger Federer has traveled the world promoting education. In February, he returned to South Africa with Springboks captain Siya Kolisi to visit schools supported by his foundation. Over 300,000 children have benefited since 2010. Federer isn’t just focused on what happens inside the lines—he’s committed to making a difference beyond them.

Now that Shanghai is confirmed, the inevitable question resurfaces. Does Roger Federer still have it?. He believes so, though he admits it’ll take time. One thing’s certain: with Federer, tennis always has something more to offer. And this time, it comes with friends, history, and a good dose of exhibition magic.