Roger Federer confirms return to Shanghai alongside Li Na and former No. 1s
ATPSunday, 09 August 2026 at 04:30
Roger Federer will reunite with several familiar faces from tennis when he returns to Shanghai this October, with the 20-time Grand Slam champion officially confirmed for another special appearance at the Shanghai Masters. Federer will team up with Chinese icon Li Na against former world No. 1 siblings Marat Safin and Dinara Safina in the Roger & Friends Celebrity Doubles Match on October 16.
The appearance had been rumored for several weeks, with reports previously suggesting that Federer would return to Shanghai for the exhibition. Those plans have now been confirmed, adding another stop to an increasingly active 2026 schedule for the Swiss legend despite his retirement from professional tennis in 2022.
Federer has remained selective with his appearances since stepping away from the ATP Tour, but this year has seen him reconnect with some of the sport's biggest stages. He returned to the Australian Open for an exhibition, appeared at Wimbledon from the Royal Box and is also scheduled to feature alongside John McEnroe, Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick during US Open Fan Week at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Shanghai holds a particularly significant place in Federer's career. The tournament became one of his most successful regular stops during the Masters 1000 era, and his return to the Qizhong Tennis Center will now give fans another opportunity to see him on court alongside some of the players who helped define his generation.
Federer officially confirms Shanghai reunion
The official announcement came after tennis journalist Michael Samulski had reported Federer's participation in the event. Federer has now confirmed the appearance himself, making clear that the opportunity to reconnect with Shanghai's fans is one of the main reasons he continues to accept these special events.
“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.
The Swiss will form an intriguing partnership with Li Na, one of China's greatest tennis players and a two-time Grand Slam champion. Their opponents will be Safin and Safina, the Russian siblings who both reached world No. 1 during their careers, creating a lineup built around several of the most recognizable figures of the sport's recent history.
“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!” Federer added.
The exhibition will mark Federer's second consecutive appearance at the Shanghai event and another carefully chosen reunion with tennis fans. Rather than signaling a competitive comeback, his 2026 schedule has increasingly taken the form of selective appearances that combine nostalgia, entertainment and opportunities to reconnect with tournaments and audiences that played an important role during his career.
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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