Roger Federer Is In Shanghai Ready To Play

Written by: Staff on 2nd October 2012

Davis Cup World Group play-off between the Netherlands and Switzerland

Roger Federer Is In Shanghai Ready To Play

epa03399734 Swiss Roger Federer in action against Robin Haase of the Netherlands during their match for the Davis Cup World Group play-off between the Netherlands and Switzerland in Amsterdam, Netherlands, 16 September 2012. Federer won in three sets (6-1 6-4 6-4) which meant the victory for Switzerland in total. EPA/TOUSSAINT KLUITERS |

Roger Federer has made enough of a post-Davis Cup recovery to commit to playing in next week’s Shanghai Masters after all. The world No. 1, who is being chased by Novak Djokovic in the ATP rankings, did not play the event in 2011 as he took a break from tennis.

That 2011 strategy proved fruitful as the 31-year-old won his last three tournaments of the season. Federer leads the ATP with six titles in 2012 but was debating whether to rest or play after helping Switzerland back into the Davis Cup World group last month.

The Swiss had said that he was exhausted and left his autumn playing schedule up in the air. A few weeks of down time may have proved to be enough though, with Federer announcing the trip to Shanghai was through his Facebook page as well as a message to Shanghai tournament bosses.

“It will be fantastic to return to Shanghai,” said Federer. “I love the city and especially the fans. I’ve enjoyed great success at the tournament, dating back to the Tennis Masters Cups. I hope all the fans will come out to enjoy the matches.

“Shanghai is one of my favorite cities in Asia, and I look forward to getting back to the Shanghai Rolex Masters. I love the passionate fans, and the facilities and tournament are amazing”

Taking aim at the top two in the game will be Andy Murray, winner of the last two Shanghai editions and now riding a wave as Olympic and US Open champion. “I really enjoy the tournament in Shanghai,” said Murray, defending one of his three Asian titles this week in Tokyo.

“They put on a great tournament. I really enjoy it. People are very friendly. They try very hard to make the tournament as easy for the players as possible. They just run a really good tournament.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Andy Murray, China Tennis news, men tennis news, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Shanghai Rolex Master