Roger Federer plays Shanghai exhibition match with Chinese actors Donnie Yen, Wu Lei
Federer returns to Shanghai centre court for exhibition match with Chinese actorsSwiss legend competed alongside actors Donnie Yen and Wu Lei, plus former WTA star Zheng JieLintao Zhang/Getty ImagesRoger Federer thrills fans in Shanghai. By ATP StaffTwo-time Rolex Shanghai Masters champion Roger Federer was back on centre court in China on Friday for an exhibition match, teaming with actor Donnie Yen to play actor Wu Lei and former WTA star Zheng Jie.In a match featuring three tie-breaks, Federer and Yen earned a comeback victory, 5-7, 10-8, 7-1.While the Chinese actors admitted to feeling nerves before the match, Federer praised their effort: "It shows that you care," he said of their pre-match jitters. "I think you did really well. Thank you for coming. I could see you had a great time."The Swiss also credited Yen and Wu for their hard work in preparing for the match: "I want to say about practicing so hard to get ready for the match, for Donnie and for you, Lei. [Jie and I] don't have to practice as much as them, but just to see the passion behind the practice sessions, I hope they can carry it after the match as well," he said. "And also maybe people who are watching and who are here at the stadium, just to show how important sports is for everyday life, for happiness. I'm happy we could share centre court here in Qizhong Stadium today."Federer also played an exhibition match last year in Shanghai, teaming with Chinese singer and actor Eason Chan against the ATP Tour's Zhang Zhizhen and table tennis champion Fan Zhendong.Zheng Jie, Wu Lei, Roger Federer and Donnie Yen. Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images.In his competitive playing days, former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings Federer posted a 23-6 record in Shanghai, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The Swiss won titles in 2014 and 2017. He also reached the final in his 2010 debut, and made his eighth and final appearance in 2019.
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