“I can’t wait to see you all again”: Roger Federer confirms another Shanghai return after US Open appearance
ATP
Roger Federer’s 2026 tennis return may not involve a comeback to the ATP Tour, but the Swiss legend continues to add stops at some of the biggest stages in the sport. After retiring in 2022, Federer has carefully selected special appearances that allow him to reconnect with fans, and another iconic tournament has now been added to his calendar.
The news was revealed by tennis journalist Michael Samulski, who announced that Federer will return to Shanghai for the Roger & Friends celebrity doubles match on October 16 during the Shanghai Masters. It will mark the second consecutive year that the 20-time Grand Slam champion participates in the event.
Federer’s latest appearance comes after a busy 2026 schedule away from professional competition. Weeks ago, the Swiss icon was confirmed for a special US Open Fan Week exhibition at Arthur Ashe Stadium alongside fellow champions John McEnroe, Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick. Earlier this season, he also returned to the Australian Open for an exhibition doubles match and made a memorable appearance at Wimbledon from the Royal Box.
Shanghai now becomes another meaningful chapter in Federer’s post-retirement journey. Few tournaments outside the Grand Slams are as closely connected to the Swiss star as the Shanghai Masters, where he built one of the strongest records of his career during the ATP Masters 1000 era and created some of his most memorable moments in Asia.
Roger Federer will return to Shanghai for The Roger & Friends celebrity doubles match on October 16.
— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) July 30, 2026
Federer confirms return to one of his favorite tournaments
According to Samulski, Federer will once again headline the Roger & Friends celebrity doubles exhibition during the Shanghai Masters on October 16. The reports were quickly followed by an official confirmation from Federer himself, who shared a video message announcing his return to the Chinese event.
“One of the things I always enjoy most about coming to Shanghai is seeing the fans. Over the years I’ve had the chance to meet so many of you, and every visit brings new memories and special moments,” Federer said. “I’m really looking forward to being back at Qizhong Tennis Center. It will be a fun evening and I hope you’ll join us. I can’t wait to see you all again soon. Shanghai, let’s meet!”
The return continues a surprisingly active 2026 calendar for Federer, who has gradually reconnected with the sport through a series of carefully selected appearances. Earlier this year, he returned to the Australian Open for the first time since retirement, playing an exhibition doubles match and a practice set with Casper Ruud. He also made a highly anticipated appearance at Wimbledon, watching the men’s singles semifinals from the Royal Box on Centre Court.
Federer is also scheduled to appear at the US Open later this summer, where he will take part in a special exhibition alongside fellow former champions John McEnroe, Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick during Fan Week at Arthur Ashe Stadium, adding another iconic stop to what has become an increasingly nostalgic 2026 schedule.
A fitting stop for a Shanghai legend
Federer’s return to Shanghai is particularly appropriate given his extraordinary history at the tournament. The Swiss won the Shanghai Masters twice, in 2014 and 2017, and reached the final on two other occasions.
Across his career, Federer compiled a 41-12 record at the Shanghai Masters, a remarkable 77 percent winning percentage that places the event among his most successful Masters 1000 stops. His victories there came during some of the most competitive years of the ATP Tour, making the tournament an important part of his legacy in Asia.
Roger Federer’s Shanghai Masters titles
| Year | Final Opponent | Score |
| 2014 | Gilles Simon | 7-6(8-6), 7-6(7-2) |
| 2017 | Rafael Nadal | 6-4, 6-3 |
Before traveling to China, Federer will also be honored in the United States with another major milestone. The Swiss icon is set to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island during the final weekend of August, where he will also participate in the Hall of Fame Celebrity Pro Classic exhibition.
While fans may still dream of seeing Federer compete in a professional match again, his 2026 schedule suggests a different kind of return: one built around celebration, nostalgia and the global impact he continues to have on the sport.
And when Roger & Friends arrives in Shanghai this October, one of tennis’ greatest champions will once again walk onto a court where he already left an unforgettable mark.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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