The moment fans have been waiting for is finally here! Roger Federer has announced he’s returning to the court, racket in hand, for the Shanghai Masters 2025. The news broke on August 10, making it official that the 44-year-old will play in the Friends Celebrity Doubles Match. Excitement is through the roof, especially since the last time he stepped onto a court was at the 2022 Laver Cup for his emotional farewell. Now the big question is: who will be sharing the court and sparring with this 20-time Slam champion?

Looks like Shanghai is about to get a serious dose of star power! Word is that Hong Kong action legend Donnie Yen. Yes, Caine from John Wick 4, will be there, and so will Chinese TV favorite Wu Lei, the face of countless hit Asian dramas. The twist? One of them will hit the stage alongside none other than Zheng Jie, the ex-tennis pro who lit up courts around the world.

Now, Zheng isn’t just any former player. At 42, she carries a résumé worth bragging about. She once climbed as high as World No.15, and in 2008, she became the first Chinese woman to ever make the Wimbledon semi-finals. Two years later, she repeated the feat at the Australian Open. Oh, and let’s not forget she grabbed two Grand Slam doubles titles in 2006 at both tournaments. Not too shabby!

Her medal cabinet didn’t stop there. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she teamed up for a doubles bronze. Fast forward to 2015, and she wrapped up her illustrious career right after Wimbledon. Now, she’s stepping back into the spotlight, this time teamed up with Roger Federer in an event charmingly billed as ‘Roger and Friends.’

Speaking of Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champ couldn’t hide his excitement. “Hello, this is Roger, and I am really happy to be returning to Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai for the Rolex Shanghai Masters,” he said. “Shanghai has always been a special place for me with great fans, unforgettable memories, and a real love for the game.” And for good reason.

Federer owns two Shanghai titles and nearly had a third, only to be stopped by Andy Murray in the 2009 final. Murray now holds three wins there, but Novak Djokovic leads the pack with four. One thing’s for sure: with Federer, Zheng, and a mix of star-studded guests, Shanghai’s in for a show that’s part sport, part spectacle, and all heart!

But his return isn’t exactly a shock, he’s been teasing it for months. Why wouldn’t he? This is the player who could fill a stadium just by swinging a racket. Remember ‘Match in Africa 6’ on February 7, 2020? Cape Town Stadium packed with 51,954 fans as Federer and Bill Gates took on Rafael Nadal and Trevor Noah! Now, the question bounces around: Does he still have it? He certainly believes it might take time, but he’s ready!

Roger Federer reveals what he’s been up to since retirement

On April 12, Roger told L’Équipe what fans have been longing to hear, his thoughts on hitting the court again. “I’d like to play some tennis again. I’m done with golf at the moment; I’ve been playing a lot!” he said with a grin. After first picking up a racket at eight, walking away completely was never realistic. “No, really, I’d like to get back into training a little, two to three times a week. And I hope to do exhibitions again, fill stadiums around the world. Nothing planned yet, but I miss it,” Federer admitted.

It’s no wonder. At his peak, Federer’s magnetism packed stadiums and made headlines. The Swiss maestro also created the Laver Cup, in honour of Rod Laver. Still, he’s aware of the challenge. “I’ve hardly played since my retirement; my body and mind needed a break. I’ve played a little with my kids, but I’d like to get back into it seriously,” he said. Three years off the tour is a long time.

Since retiring in 2022, Roger Federer has stayed busy. “I have hardly played since my retirement. I’ve been very busy traveling and working on my foundation with my family. We went to South Africa to visit school projects to help children get a better education,” he explained. His foundation has been driving quality preschool education in South Africa since 2010, reaching more than 300,000 children.

In February, he was back in South Africa with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, highlighting the foundation’s work to get kids into schools — and keeping them there. The competitive spark is still alive. “During my travels, I’ll get back into it. And maybe you’ll see me on the court again soon!” he teased.

Now, with Shanghai confirmed, the countdown begins: can Roger Federer bring the magic back after three years? Share your thoughts in the comments below!