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Federer celebrates his 45th birthday by announcing his 'return' to the courts

Fernando Murciego - 8 Aug 2026
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Federer celebrates his birthday by announcing his return to the courts. Source: Getty

Roger Federer turned 45 years old this Saturday and has decided to celebrate it in the best possible way for tennis fans: announcing his return to a competition court. The Swiss player will be one of the major stars of an exhibition that will take place during the upcoming Masters 1000 in Shanghai, where he will pick up a racket again alongside three other legends of the sport: Li Na, Marat Safin, and Dinara Safina.

The announcement came precisely on the day Federer was blowing out his candles, turning the news into an unexpected birthday gift. The tournament itself announced it on their social media, explaining that the match will take place on October 16, during the celebration of the Rolex Shanghai Masters. It will be a new opportunity to see the 20-time Grand Slam winner in action, who officially retired from professional tennis in September 2022. Federer played his last match precisely at the Laver Cup in London, teaming up with Rafael Nadal in a doubles match that became one of the most emotional moments in recent tennis history.

Federer returns to the courts surrounded by three other legends

However, the Swiss will not be alone in Shanghai. He will share the spotlight with three historic names in Asian and world tennis. Li Na, a two-time Grand Slam champion and the first Asian player to win a major singles title, will be one of the major guests. Joining them will be Marat Safin, US Open 2000 and Australian Open 2005 champion, and Dinara Safina, a former world number one.

Federer's presence also signifies a new public appearance linked to tennis after his retirement. Although the Swiss has participated in various events and exhibitions since leaving the tour, every time he steps back onto a court, it generates extraordinary anticipation. This time he will do so in Shanghai and accompanied by three legends. Federer turns 45, but the gift, in reality, has been given to us by him.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Federer celebra su 45 cumpleaños anunciando su "regreso" a las pistas