(VIDEO) Roger Federer receives raptuous reception in return to Shanghai Masters for Icon Athlete award

Former world number one Roger Federer received a warm welcome from the fans during the Shanghai Masters.

The 42-year-old retired from the sport last year after consisten fitness struggles for a long time.

Federer returned to the Shanghai Masters to receive an Icon Athlete award and he received a warm welcome from the fans sitting in the arena.

The Basel-born is often described as one of the greatest players ever in the history of men’s singles tennis in the Open era.

Federer has won 20 Grand Slams in his career. He was the first player in the history of men’s singles tennis to win more than 15 major titles.

Later on, he also became the first men’s player ever to win 20 or more Grand Slam titles.

His most successful competition was Wimbledon where he lifted the title eight times — 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2017.

His first major triumph came in 2003 when he defeated Australia’s Mark Philippoussis in the final in London in straight sets with a score of 7–6(7–5), 6–2, 7–6(7–3).

Federer’s last major title was at the Australian Open in 2018 when he defeated Croatia’s Marin Cilic in a five-set thriller with a score of 6–2, 6–7(5–7), 6–3, 3–6, 6–1.