Roger Federer returned to the Shanghai Masters on Friday for a special ceremony as he was named the “icon athlete” of the tournament. The retired tennis legend watched old match clips and answered some fan questions during a presentation that also saw a strange moment where Federer had an encounter with a lion mascot.
The Shanghai Masters is being staged for the first time since Federer’s retirement after taking a four-year hiatus. The Swiss star reached the quarter-final last time the tournament was played in 2019 and he was back this time around to be honoured during an on-court ceremony on day 10 of the event.
The tournament director presented the two-time former champion with presents before Federer reflected on some of his past matches in Shanghai. The 42-year-old then took part in a Q&A with tennis legend Li Na and rising star Zhizhen Zhang coming onto the court to ask Federer the questions that had been submitted by fans.
Federer was asked a big one – whether he was ever tempted to return to the tennis tour. It prompted some cheers from the fans who hoped to see him back on a court. But the 20-time Major winner quickly shut down any suggestions of a comeback.
“I’m extremely happily retired like Na Li,” Federer smiled. “For me, there’s no coming back. I had an absolute blast on the tour. I feel like I took the lemon and I squeezed it out until the last drop. I gave it all I had and there’s none left and now I’m just a super tennis fan like all of you.”
But the former world No 1 didn’t rule out a return in a different way as he shared his hopes of embarking on an exhibition tour later on in his retirement. He continued: “But what a journey it’s been and it took me here to the most incredible places on the planet to play tennis and it’s been incredible. Of course, I miss those moments but now another chapter has begun and the last year has been terrific.
“Unfortunately less tennis [but] more tennis with the children. But I hope that down the road maybe I can play an exhibition match back here in China, here in Shanghai even, and around the world so I can play in front of all of you again.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
