Federer returns to Shanghai spotlight; Djokovic and Sabalenka celebrate triumphs, as Rublev opens up on Mental Health Day

In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, the action continues in the Asian swing, with the appearance of Roger Federer back on the main court of the Shanghai Masters for a doubles exhibition with famous Chinese acting stars and a former WTA star. Amidst the same tournament, Novak Djokovic celebrated his advancement to the semifinals on social media, where he will face Valentin Vacherot.

On the other hand, the Shanghai Masters shared a video of the 'Impossible Shot' challenge in which players like Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, and Learner Tien, among others, participated. Additionally, Andrey Rublev starred in the most recent video for Mental Health Day, while Matteo Berrettini shared a photoshoot of his time at the Asian tournaments over the last month, including a photo with a prominent Italian athlete in Tokyo.

Roger Federer participated on the main court of the Shanghai Masters on Friday for an exhibition match, teaming up with actor Donnie Yen to face actor Wu Lei and former WTA star Zheng Jie. In a three-tie-break match, Federer and Yen rallied to win by 5-7, 10-8, 7-1.

Federer also played an exhibition match last year in Shanghai, teaming up with Chinese singer and actor Eason Chan against ATP Tour player Zhang Zhizhen and table tennis champion Fan Zhendong. The 20-time Grand Slam champion stole the spotlight from the fans in a notable exhibition that brought Federer back, three years after his retirement.

Novak Djokovic celebrated another victory at the Shanghai Masters, after advancing to the semifinals, and emerges as the favorite to contend for the title, being the only Top 15 player among the four best in the tournament. The World No. 5 will seek his 6th final at the event, following four titles and a loss in the 2024 final to Jannik Sinner.

This time, Nole will face the surprising Valentin Vacherot—who until a few days ago hadn't even reached the Top 100 and is in the semifinals of a Masters 1000 for the first time. The Serb will look to validate his favoritism and reach the final of a big tournament once again.

Aryna Sabalenka celebrated a new victory at the Wuhan Open on social media, where she reached an incredible 20-0 record to advance to the semifinals. Once again, the World No. 1 secured a victory in straight sets (6-3, 6-3), eliminating the Kazakh Elena Rybakina, one of her biggest rivals on the Tour. This win now moves the head-to-head record to 8-5 in favor of the Belarusian.

The 4-time Grand Slam champion again took to social media to share photos after the win, as she prepares for the semifinals against Jessica Pegula. Sabalenka is looking to defend her Wuhan title—where she has taken the crown in her last three appearances. Furthermore, the recent elimination of Iga Świątek by Paolini gives Sabalenka a significant chance to distance herself in the rankings and practically secure finishing the year as the World No. 1—even before the WTA Finals are played.

Matteo Berrettini shared a series of photos on social media of his month of September, both on and off the tennis courts. The former Wimbledon runner-up appeared in a photo with Italian athlete Andrea Dallavalle—who won the silver medal in the high jump World Championships in Tokyo a few weeks ago, with Berrettini cheering him on from the stands.

The former World No. 5 shared family memories and moments from his time on the Asia Swing, where he played three tournaments, marking his return to the courts. Berrettini missed months of competition, including tournaments like Roland Garros and the US Open, but in Asia, he returned in good physical shape. At 29 years old, he is looking to put injuries behind him once again to compete at the highest level. He finished the Asia Swing with a 1-3 record, falling in the first round of the Shanghai Masters to Adrian Mannarino, while his single victory was in Tokyo against Jaume Munar. Berrettini still has a couple of commitments ahead in Europe, where he will play the Stockholm Open and the qualifiers for the Vienna and Paris Masters.

Andrey Rublev participated in an ATP video for World Mental Health Day, where he addressed his own problems and how he has faced adversity regarding his mental health. The Russian former World No. 5 has often spoken about the challenges he has faced—such as depression and anxiety—which have led to complicated moments in his career.

“I was completely lost with myself, i had no escape. I didn’t understand what i’m doing? Who I am? What I am living for? I wanted to change myself all my life,” he said.

The Russian has had several outbursts on the court, with fits of anger in some ATP Tour matches that even cost him disqualifications or monetary fines for breaking rackets, hitting himself, or insulting a line judge. “From tomorrow i’m not behaving bad, from tomorow i’m doing this and that… and nver happened,” the 27-year-old player mentions in the video.

The ATP stars who were present at the Shanghai Masters participated in a challenge in the promotional activities prior to the tournament: “The Impossible Shot,” in which they tried to hit a target that involved passing the ball through a small hole while batting from the baseline. Players like Alexander Zverev, Alex De Minaur, Daniil Medvedev, and Learner Tien, among others, participated in the challenge, although only a couple of them managed the impossible shot.

The tournament has now reached its semifinal phase, led by Novak Djokovic—who will face the Monegasque Valentin Vacherot—while on the other side, Daniil Medvedev will face the Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech.