The prestigious Masters 1000 tournament in Shanghai came to a thrilling conclusion with Jannik Sinner claiming a hard-fought victory over Novak Djokovic in a gripping final. Sinner’s triumph in China is another significant milestone in his burgeoning career, but the tournament drew attention for more than just the quality of its matches. Among the many highlights of the event was the surprise appearance of tennis legend Roger Federer, who attended the final days of the competition, much to the delight of fans and players alike.
Federer, who officially retired from professional tennis in 2022, arrived in Shanghai towards the end of the tournament. His presence was part of a promotional tour with his sponsors, but he took time to engage in various activities related to the sport he once dominated. Fans were ecstatic to see their beloved “Swiss Maestro,” who remains one of the most admired figures in tennis, even after stepping away from the game. Federer attended both the semifinals and the final, making appearances that reminded the tennis world of his lasting influence on the sport.
Despite his retirement, Federer has stayed closely connected to tennis, frequently attending events, though he has no formal role in the professional circuit. After a career that included 20 Grand Slam titles, Federer’s focus has shifted more towards spending time with his family. His knee issues, which required multiple surgeries in the later stages of his career, ultimately prevented him from making a full comeback. These injuries led to his emotional farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup, where he played his final professional match—a doubles game alongside longtime rival and friend Rafael Nadal—at London’s O2 Arena. The moment was one of the most memorable in recent tennis history, symbolizing the end of an era dominated by the “Big Three”: Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.
During his stay in Shanghai, Federer not only charmed fans but also interacted with the next generation of tennis stars. One of the highlights of his visit was a meet-up with young Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked No. 2 in the world. Federer and Alcaraz, who had spoken extensively during the Laver Cup in Berlin a month earlier, spent time together watching the final between Sinner and Djokovic. Alcaraz was accompanied by his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former world No. 1 and French Open champion, who joined in on the casual viewing session. Federer also organized a small practice session with Alcaraz and his younger brother, Álvaro, who later shared pictures of the special moment on social media, showcasing the Swiss legend’s continued enthusiasm for nurturing young talent.
Alcaraz wasn’t the only one inspired by Federer’s presence. Jannik Sinner, the eventual champion of the Shanghai Masters, took the opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of the “Big Three” and what it meant to him as a young player growing up in their shadow. Sinner, who lost just one set en route to his victory, expressed his admiration for the consistency and dominance Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic displayed over the last two decades. “What they have done in the last years has been amazing,” Sinner said in a post-match interview. “They were consistent year after year, not just for one or two seasons but for 15 years. It’s amazing what they’ve achieved, and there’s so much we can learn from them.”
Sinner’s comments highlight the deep respect the younger generation of tennis players has for the Big Three, who set the standard for excellence in the sport. Despite being one of the rising stars of tennis, Sinner remains humble, recognizing that comparisons to Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic are premature. “We cannot compare ourselves with them, especially not right now,” he admitted. “We were all very lucky to watch them play tennis, and I consider myself even luckier to get to know them as people and learn from them.”
As the era of the Big Three draws to a close, with Federer and Nadal now retired and Djokovic nearing the twilight of his career, tennis is transitioning into a new phase. In 2025, Djokovic will be the only active member of the legendary trio still competing at the top level. The Serbian superstar, now 37 years old, remains determined to continue playing, despite not capturing a Grand Slam title this year. However, Djokovic did win the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, adding another remarkable achievement to his already illustrious career.
In a recent interview with Eurosport, former ATP player Mats Wilander reflected on Djokovic’s legacy compared to his two greatest rivals, Federer and Nadal. “I think Novak will feel proud, even if it’s a bit bittersweet. He survived the era of Federer, Nadal, and Andy Murray, and he’s come out as the winningest male tennis player ever. Novak has probably felt the impact of Roger and Rafa more than any other player, and that will give him immense pride,” Wilander noted. “He’s been part of an era that changed the game, and now we see that influence in the new generation.”
Alvaro Alcaraz hits with Roger Federer in Shanghai.
“My dream come true… 🎾🥲” 🥺 pic.twitter.com/OSkWXkitCx
— Carlos Alcaraz Daily (@alcarazdaily) October 16, 2024
Indeed, the future of tennis appears to be in capable hands with players like Sinner and Alcaraz leading the charge. The two have already produced several electrifying matches, and their head-to-head encounters have been full of drama and excitement, hinting at a rivalry that could shape the sport for years to come. With Federer and Nadal gone, and Djokovic nearing the end of his storied career, tennis is ready for the next wave of champions. As Jannik Sinner’s victory in Shanghai and Carlos Alcaraz’s rapid rise demonstrate, the future of the sport is bright, with a new generation poised to take the game to unprecedented heights.