It seems that the small disagreements and moments of relative tension that Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic indirectly had in their careers are far away. In hindsight, after the end of the Swiss’s career, the two have always shown great respect and esteem for each other.
In the meantime, the Swiss Maestro played an exhibition event in Shanghai, the Roger & Friends Celebrity Doubles, in which he teamed up with Eason Chan and beat Zhizhen Zhang and Zhendong Fan in doubles.
The official ATP X profile joked by publishing the post: “104th career title for Roger Federer!”
Career title no.104 for Roger 😉
Roger Federer and Eason Chan take home the prize 🏆@rogerfederer #RolexShanghaiMasterspic.twitter.com/kbP8C9h4DV
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 11, 2024
However, before taking to the court and greeting the many fans who remained on the Stadium Court to watch his match, Federer met Djokovic.
“Hey! Old Man!” said the Swiss legend ironically, when he shook hands with the Serbian champion. The two then exchanged a few words, smiling.
“Hey! Old Man!” 🤣@rogerfederer & @DjokerNole reunite in Shanghai 👇#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/c4QrOP5YpZ
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 11, 2024
Feels like a dream 😍@rogerfederer is back on court in Shanghai 🫶@SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/QgE9DSPIpv
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 11, 2024
We recall Djokovic had just reached the semifinals of the Shanghai Rolex Masters thanks to a comeback victory over an excellent Jakub Mensik. The Serbian champion was unable to close out a first set that he could have won and found himself behind despite the important chance. In the second set, however, he changed pace and began to dominate the exchanges, showing greater aggression from the back of the court. In a few hours, Nole will challenge Taylor Fritz for a place in the final.
78 – One of only three to reach 50+ SFs along with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic has reached a 78th ATP Masters 1000 SF – the most of any player since the format’s inception in 1990. Benchmark.#RolexShanghaiMasters | @SH_RolexMasters @atptour pic.twitter.com/eCgV093q9G
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) October 11, 2024