Match Function
Trophies, adulation & mixing it on the Metro: A flashback to Federer in Shanghai
ATPTour.com displays on the Swiss nice’s profession at Chinese language ATP Masters 1000
October 11, 2024
Johannes Eisele/AFP through Getty Pictures
Roger Federer in motion throughout his 2014 title run on the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
By Vishakha Khandelwal
On the tenth anniversary of Roger Federer’s first title in Shanghai, ATPTour.com appears to be like again at his profession on the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
The previous World No. 1 and 103-time tour-level titlist received the ATP Masters 1000 occasion twice in his illustrious profession and completed with a 23-6 report on the event in China.
First Look In 2010
Federer had competed in Shanghai earlier in his profession on the Nitto ATP Finals, then often called the Tennis Masters Cup. However this was his first look within the metropolis competing on the Masters 1000 occasion within the metropolis, which began in 2009.
On his debut in 2010, Federer reached the ultimate with out dropping a set and completed runner-up. He defeated Novak Djokovic within the semi-final, earlier than dropping 3-6, 2-6 to Andy Murray within the championship match.
Roger Federer misplaced to Andy Murray within the closing of Rolex Shanghai Masters 2010.”>
Picture Credit score: AFP/Getty Pictures
Clinches First Title In 2014
Federer got here into the event after a shock loss to Marin Cilic within the semi-finals on the US Open. Making his fourth look in Shanghai, he dropped his first and solely set of the week in a memorable second-round win in opposition to Leonardo Mayer. The Swiss, on the verge of an exit, saved 5 match factors earlier than prevailing in opposition to the Argentine.
He later set a semi-final conflict in opposition to the two-time defending champion and then-World No. 1 Djokovic. Producing one in all his greatest shows of attacking tennis, Federer triumphed 6-4, 6-4 in opposition to his nice rival. Within the closing, he was examined by Gilles Simon, who pushed him to the restrict, however Federer finally prevailed 7-6(6), 7-6(2). With the victory, he captured his twenty third Masters 1000 title.
“I really feel unbelievable status to win this occasion. Particularly placing my arms on the trophy for the primary time is an efficient feeling, I have to say,” stated Federer.
Roger Federer received the Rolex Shanghai Masters title after defeating Gilles Simon in 2014 closing. “>
Picture Credit score: Matthew Stockman/Getty Pictures
Triumphant once more in 2017
Three years after his first title, Federer repeated his near-perfect efficiency and received a second crown in Shanghai. In one in all his greatest seasons within the latter levels of his profession, the Swiss beat Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-3 within the closing. He dropped just one set all event, in his semi-final match in opposition to Juan Martin del Potro.
With the win, Federer secured his twenty seventh ATP Masters 1000 title and claimed his 700th tour-level match victory on arduous courts.
Roger Federer defeated Rafael Nadal within the closing of Rolex Shanghai Masters in 2017. “>
Picture Credit score: Lintao Zhang/Getty Pictures
Federer Takes The Prepare
The 28-time Masters champion is massively in style in China, and he shocked some fortunate followers by taking the Shanghai Metro to Qi Zhong Tennis Middle in 2017.
“I grew up on public transport once I was youthful in Switzerland,” he stated. “I used to take both tram, prepare, or bus to apply every day, after which additionally a variety of the prepare till about 20 years outdated, going to tournaments even to Italy, even internationally. So for me it is one thing very regular.”
Picture Credit score: Mike Frey/Rolex Shanghai Masters
The Legend Returns
The Swiss legend got here again to Shanghai in 2023, one yr after his retirement in September 2022. He obtained an enormous welcome from the gang. He was introduced with an Icon Athlete Award by the event as a celebration of his storied profession. The then 42-year-old participated in a Q&A session with WTA star Li Na and the No. 1 Chinese language participant within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, Zhang Zhizhen.
“I really feel like I received probably the most unbelievable help right here in Shanghai and in China. I have been very lucky to play right here for thus a few years,” he shared.
Roger Federer”>
Picture Credit score: Lintao Zheng/Getty Pictures