Federer Plans To Play Doubles In Shanghai

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 13th September 2013

Federer Plans To Play Doubles In Shanghai

epa03848526 Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a return to Tommy Robredo of Spain during their match on the eighth day of the 2013 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 02 September 2013. The US Open runs through Monday 09 September, a 15-day schedule for the first time. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO |

Roger Federer has dropped a bombshell in the run-up to next month’s Shanghai Masters which looks to amount to little more than a publicity stunt. The world tennis icon is set to play doubles with China’s national No. 1 but 180th-ranked Zhang Ji.

The decision raises many questions which can likely be answered by the fact that the Swiss is a well-paid brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz in China and will surely score a massive local publicity coup by playing with the rank outsider.

Zhang’s only ATP-level doubles appearances have come at the local Masters 1000, comprising three losses in doubles as well as one in Beijing. Federer should have much more important goals on his plate other than trying to carry a low-ranking no-hoper on his back in doubles. The Swiss is fighting to reach the season-ending World Tour Finals in London, currently ranked sixth but trailing much farther behind in the season points chase.

The last thing he would seem to need is doubles – especially with a pedestrian partner – to clutter up his week in China.

Nevertheless, tournament officials are beating the drums at their PR success. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Zhang and we are truly delighted that Roger agreed to play with him,” said TD Michael Luevano. “The atmosphere will be quite special at Qi Zhong and will definitely prove to be a lot of fun for the fans and I am quite sure the two players as well.

Zhang has never played doubles at the ATP level outside of three losing appearance in Shanghai and one in Beijing; Federer barely has a doubles ranking and last played in an ATP team match in early 2011.

Zheng, 23, is the highest ranked Chinese male player on the ATP, standing 334 in doubles. His claim to fame for his career was a 2012 Shanghai upset of Richard Gasquet. “I know I’m going to be quite nervous to be the doubles partner of Roger,” said Zhang. “He is such a big name all over the world and has achieved so much success, he is very, very popular in China and I see this as a big chance for me to get very good experience, I am very excited and I think my whole family will come and see the match.”

Topics: Atp, Richard Gasquet, Roger Federer, Shanghai, Sports, Tennis, Zhang Ji

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yvessimonsevy says:

September 13, 2013 at 8:31 am

RT @10sBalls_com: Federer Plans To Play Doubles In Shanghai: Roger Federer has dropped a bombshell in the run-up to next … http://t.co/3h…
TChui29 says:

September 13, 2013 at 7:41 pm

RT @NadalFanatix: Federer dropped bombshell -Shanghai Masters.He’ll play doubles with China’s nNo1(180th-ranked) Zhang Ji #GoodByeStan http…