History is set to be made at the ATP Rolex Shanghai Masters, as Roger Federer gets prepared to be named the “Icon Athlete” of 2023. It was only in May that along with the announcement of the tournament’s return, it was revealed that the 20-time Grand Slam Champion would be felicitated with the title, while he is present as a special guest at the event.
Last month, the tournament director Michael. A. Luevano explained the reasons why they decided to felicitate the 42-year-old tennis legend with the award. According to him, they along with the fans of Shanghai have immense belief in Roger’s achievements. They feel it is of a different level and is above and beyond what a normal sportsman is to a city.
Mr. Federer is in the building 🇨🇭@rogerfederer #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/M6yozgsoMz
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 13, 2023
Roger Federer has a long-term relationship with the tournament along with Team 8, his management company. This further strengthened his bond with the event and it had a pivotal part to play in him, being honored with the designation. Luevano was present at the airport to greet Federer on his arrival in one of his favorite cities, following a family holiday in Japan.
The tennis legend had previously conveyed how excited he was, to visit Shanghai to receive the award. He recalled the time when he made it to the city for the first time for the opening of the stadium. Roger added, “I am happy to keep the story going and I look forward to seeing everyone in October”, recognizing the fact that he has been close friends with tournament organizers for all this while.
Roger Federer opens up on his biggest goal after tennis
Federer then opened up on his biggest goal which is to be there for his children as much as he possibly can, post retirement from tennis. He stated, “My children are 9 and 14, so the next few years in our family will of course be super exciting & crucial…..” He went on to add that he is eager to watch them grow up and help them out in all matters as much as he can.
Roger Federer says his biggest goal after tennis is to be there for his children as much as possible:
“My children are 9 and 14, so the next few years in our family will of course be super exciting & crucial. I want to be there for them, watch them grow up & help them in all… pic.twitter.com/ASq6JAuFPf
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 12, 2023
On a professional front, he says he is looking forward to making the leap from being an active athlete to a businessman. But, he doesnt want to meander away from the sport that has offered his life to him. Regarding that, he continued, “…..I want to continue to be part of the sport, find great partners, get involved, help shape it. I will definitely stay true to tennis.”
The legend’s love for tennis is quite evident and the way he has continued to portray it has made him an adorable and loved personality. So it is only fitting that he is honored accordingly. As Luevano announced, the felicitation ceremony will be held on Friday, October 13, and it has all the makings of a memorable event, visually as well as emotionally with a number of celebrities being touted to attend it.
{Credits – The Independent, Paris Match}
Further, Luevano added that, “Fans can expect to see Federer in person, signing autographs, expressing his gratitude to the Chinese fans…..”. This should mark the beginning of something wonderful in the glittering history of the Rolex Shanghai Masters and who better than one of the sports’ favorite sons to grace the occasion. For the record, Roger has been triumphant at the event in 2014 and 2017.