Roger Federer took part in the Icon Athlete award ceremony at the 2023 Shanghai Masters in between matches with Andrey Rublev and Ugo Humbert still to face off.
Zhizhen Zhang who himself made history at the event as the first Chinese player to win consecutive matches in Shanghai was part of it. He asked Federer some questions including on a potential return to the tour.
But he was left immediately shut down with Federer enjoying retirement.
“I’m extremely happily retired," he said.
For me, there’s no coming back. I had an absolute blast on Tour. I feel like I took the lemon and I squeezed it out ’til the last drop.
I gave it all I had and there was none left.”
This was also reaffirmed with Federer asking fans in his speech where is good to eat and drink while in the city.
“I want to enjoy the night life. I have to be a little bit careful to not overdo it. If anyone has good recommendations for restaurants & bars, let me know.”
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Zhizhen Zhang asked Roger Federer if he ever has the impulse to return to the tour:
“I’m extremely happily retired. 😂There’s no coming back.”
Millions of hearts just broke all over again. 💔