The event will take place on Centre Court at the Qizhong Tennis Center following the day's scheduled matches. Although Federer retired from professional tennis in September 2022, he has continued to make appearances at major tournaments, giving fans occasional opportunities to see him back on court.
The exhibition brings together four players with significant achievements at the highest level of the sport. Federer won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, while Li Na became the first Chinese player to win a major singles title. Safin claimed two Grand Slam crowns during his career, and Safina reached the top of the women's rankings in 2009.
Federer's appearance also continues his relationship with Shanghai, where he won two Masters 1000 titles during his playing career. The Swiss lifted the trophy in 2014 and 2017 and returned for an exhibition last year, when he shared the court with Chinese actor Donnie Yen, against actor Wu Lei and former professional player Zheng Jie.
Federer and Safin renew memories of Australian Open battles
The pairing of Federer and Safin adds a nostalgic dimension to Friday's event. The two former champions met repeatedly during their careers, including in consecutive Australian Open finals and semifinals that produced contrasting outcomes.
Roger Federer with the Shanghai title.
Federer defeated Safin in the 2004 Australian Open final, establishing himself as the dominant player in their rivalry at that stage. However, the Russian gained a memorable revenge one year later in Melbourne, eliminating the Swiss in a five-set semifinal that remains one of the tournament's classic encounters.
Safin won 5-7, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(6), 9-7 after saving a match point, before defeating Lleyton Hewitt in the final to claim his second Grand Slam title. The result remains a notable moment in the history of their rivalry, making their reunion in Shanghai an opportunity to revisit one of the defining matches of their careers.
Li Na and the Safina siblings complete the line-up
Li Na gives the exhibition a strong connection to the host country. The two-time Grand Slam champion won the French Open in 2011 and the Australian Open in 2014, becoming a landmark figure in the development of tennis in China.
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Across the net, Safin will be joined by his younger sister, Dinara Safina. The siblings made tennis history by both reaching world No. 1 in their respective singles rankings, an unusual achievement that adds another distinctive storyline to the exhibition.
Federer's return is not a competitive comeback, but another appearance designed to bring major names from different generations together. With four former world No. 1 players and multiple Grand Slam champions involved, the Roger & Friends event offers Shanghai fans a chance to watch several of the sport's most recognisable figures share the court once again.
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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