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Roger Federer has been invited to Shanghai as the ATP Tour prepares to return to China this year.
In the year The 2023 Shanghai Masters is set to mark the return of ATP Masters 1000 tennis to the country for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic and China’s strict policy on meetings.
The main draw will be held in Shanghai between October 4 and 15 at the QiZhong Tennis Center. The expanded two-week event also coincides with a major national holiday in China.
Federer, the two-time former champion in Shanghai, will return as the guest of honor after being awarded the title of Icon Athlete of the Shanghai Masters.
China’s fast-rising stars Zhang Zhizhen, Wuibing and Shang Juncheng are set to steal the limelight from Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, defending champion Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas when tennis returns home.
The Shanghai Masters has announced that it will host the ITF J100 International Youth Tennis Tournament at the same time.
«I am delighted to be named the 2023 Rolex Shanghai Masters Icon Athlete,» said former two-time Shanghai Masters champion Federer as he looks forward to his return to China.
«I remember the first time I came to Shanghai for the opening of the stadium and I became close friends with the juice event and tournament organizers. I’m happy to continue the story and look forward to seeing everyone in October.»
Tournament director Michael Luvano promises innovation when the ATP Tour arrives in Shanghai.
«Innovation is something we pride ourselves on at Juice Event and Shanghai,» Luvano said.
“The Rolex Shanghai Masters has opened the door to the growth and development of world tennis in China and we are very proud of our achievements.
«We are the first and only tournament in Asia to be held over two weeks. It gives players more to do, more exciting tennis for fans from some of the most exciting and dynamic athletes in the world, and continues to be the forefront of tennis in Asia.»
“The new look Rolex Shanghai Masters, which has grown in recent years, is ready to shine and ready to return, and will host the world’s best tennis players. We continue to be the benchmark for world tennis in Asia.
The tennis tour has been criticized for not taking a strong stance against former Chinese star Peng Shuai.
However, the ATP Tour doesn’t seem to have any doubts about this move.
«The return of the ATP Tour to China in 2023 is a momentous occasion for tennis,» said ATP CEO Massimo Calvelli.
“We are delighted to see the expansion of the premier Asian tournament, the Rolex Shanghai Masters, to a 12-day event. This promises more dramatic action among the best players in the world. We are excited to reconnect with our Chinese fans this season and continue the success our sport is achieving in the region.
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