Last year, when Roger Federer came to Shanghai, he enjoyed some thrilling days in the city. He explored China’s central coast, watched the final between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, and played a charity match. This time too, the Swiss maestro is once again back in Shanghai and is all set to grace the Asian hard court for a celebrity doubles exhibition. 

Roger Federer is set to return to the tennis court in a celebrity doubles match, partnering with Hong Kong actor and film-maker Donnie Yen. They will face the duo of former professional footballer Wu Lei and ex-WTA player Zheng Jie. This marks a rare stadium appearance for the 20-time Grand Slam champion, who has reportedly been practising on the court in recent weeks.

According to a recent update from tennis commentator and journalist Jose Morgado, “Friday OOP in Shanghai includes… Roger Federer.” The Stadium Court on Friday, October 10, will feature a line-up that already includes Arthur Rinderknech facing Felix Auger-Aliassime and Daniil Medvedev taking on Alex de Minaur. Yet the day will close with one of the most anticipated exhibition.

The order of play includes:-

1. Marcelo Arevalo (ESA)/Mate Pavic (CRO) vs Andre Goramsson (SWE)/Alex Michelsen (USA) – 12:30pm
2. Arthur Rinderknech (FRA) vs Felix Augeraliassime (CAN) – 3pm
3. Daniil Medvedev vs Alex de Minaur (AUS) – 6:30pm
4. Roger and Friends Celebrity Doubles – Exhibition game starts following the quarterfinal between Daniil Medvedev and Alex de Minaur

Off the main court in Shanghai too, Federer has continued to voice his support. As part of Swiss sportswear brand On’s “On Thanks for Playing” initiative, he has visited the Xuhui District First Youth Amateur Sports School to promote grassroots tennis. About the same Federer remarked, “Shanghai has a special place in my heart, and to see the game thriving here is incredibly rewarding. Giving young players and the community access to good facilities is key to growing the game. The passion from everyone at the Xuhui District First Youth Amateur Sports School made this ‘On Thanks for Playing’ event truly special.” Moreover, he even participated in ceremonial serves, light exhibitions, and community events.

Now, as the Shanghai Masters 2025 reaches its end, the event gains a new dimension with Federer’s participation. And with his exhibition match in Shanghai, it might be marking a potential first step toward the long-awaited Federer-Nadal senior tour.

Could Federer’s Shanghai return signal the dawn of a Federer-Nadal senior tour?

Last month, Federer hinted at the possibility of a collaborative venture with Rafael Nadal, whose participation in a senior circuit has been widely speculated. For quite some time, speculation regarding senior tours has been making the rounds. And, Federer and Nadal have been linked with the same. 

“Yeah, why not? I love Rafa,” Federer said. “…I’ve been playing a lot, so I’m trying to keep in good shape. I know that Rafa is also totally open to maybe play some tennis. It sounds terrible ‘Seniors Tennis’ to us, but maybe we can create a tour, like a ‘Fedal’ tour, or something like that. It’d be cool.” For now, there isn’t much clarity on when the ‘Fedal’ tour would materialize.

On the other hand, as Federer returns to Shanghai for a thrilling celebrity exhibition, the event promises high adrenaline performances with some exciting rounds on the roster.