Shanghai
Federer and Djokovic meet again in Shanghai: “Hello, old friend”
Former rivals meet at Rolex Shanghai Masters 2024
October 11, 2024
ATP Media
By ATP Editorial Board
Roger Federer returned to the Rolex Shanghai Masters this Friday to play an exhibition doubles match.
Before taking to the court, the Swiss legend ran into his old rival Novak Djokovic when the 99-time tour champion abandoned his quarter-final match after beating #NextGenATP star Jakub Mensik.
“Hello old friend,” Federer said to the Serb, laughing, as the two shook hands.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who won the Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 event twice (2014, 2017), was paired with Eason Chan, a prominent Chinese singer and actor. They defeated the pair formed by Zhang Zhizhen, the best Chinese player in the PIF ATP Rankings, and Fan Zhendong, table tennis champion, in a light-hearted match. The four delighted fans with great exchanges.
The 103-time tour champion also visited Shanghai last year to receive the tournament’s Icon Athlete Award, in celebration of his illustrious career.
During their careers, Djokovic and Federer played 50 times, with the Serbian taking their Lexus ATP Head2Head series 27-23.
-Additional information by Vivienne Christie, courtesy of the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
Source: https://www.atptour.com/es/news/federer-djokovic-shanghai-2024
