Roger Federer will make tennis return in celebrity doubles match at ongoing Shanghai Masters

After hanging up his racket over two years ago, Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer is set to make an unexpected appearance in an exhibition match at the 2025 Shanghai Masters on Friday.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion called an end to his distinguished career in 2022. After battling with knee injuries, the former World No.1 decided to retire at his beloved Laver Cup, playing his last professional match alongside longtime rival and friend Rafael Nadal in a doubles tie for Team Europe.

Following his retirement, Federer took a step back from the tennis community. The 44-year old has made sporadic appearances on the ATP tour, visiting the Wimbledon grounds and the annual Laver Cup, which he founded.

With Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing prior to the start of the Shanghai Open and Jannik Sinner retiring during his third round match against Tallon Griekspoor due to severe cramps, Federer's participation will likely add some more excitement to a tournament that some have said is missing significant star power.

The Swiss Maestro will compete in a doubles exhibition match alongside a handful of Chinese celebrities to end the day's proceedings on Friday. Federer will team up with Star Wars star and legendary film-maker Donnie Yen to take on the team of retired WTA player Zheng Jie and former professional footballer Wu Lei.

The celebrity doubles match will take place after the completion of the men's quarterfinal matches. The first quarterfinal match will see Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime battle Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, with the other featuring Australian Alex de Minaur lock horns with former World No.1 Daniil Medvedev.

The first semifinal of the Shanghai Open has already been decided, with Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic set to battle qualifier Valentin Vacherot. The World No.204 stunned 10th seed Holger Rune to reach his maiden ATP Masters 1000 semifinal. Conversely, Djokovic continues setting records, as he reached his 80th ATP Masters 1000 semifinal after defeating Belgian Zizou Bergs in their quarterfinal match.