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Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer reunited at the ongoing Shanghai Masters, where the Swiss played an exhibition match. The tennis greats embraced, and Federer jokingly called his former rival an "old man."
On Friday, October 11, Federer was at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena to participate in a men's doubles exhibition match alongside Hong Kong singer and actor Eason Chan.
During his time inside the stadium, Federer had a delightful reunion with a familiar face—24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. The two greeted each other with broad smiles, and Federer, now 43, jokingly called his 37-year-old former rival an "old man" as they embraced.
Watch the video of the heartwarming interaction below:
Djokovic, currently in great form at the Shanghai Masters, has reached the semifinals, dropping only one set. In his quarterfinal match on Friday against Jakub Mensik, the Serb lost the first set in a tiebreaker but bounced back decisively, winning 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4. The World No. 4 will take on Taylor Fritz in the semifinal in Shanghai on Saturday, October 12.
Novak Djokovic reflects on being the last man standing from the Big 4: himself, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray
Roger Federer retired from professional tennis after the 2022 Laver Cup. Andy Murray embraced retirement earlier this year after the completion of the Paris Olympics. Most recently, Rafael Nadal announced via an emotional video on social media that he would retire from tennis after the Davis Cup Finals in November.
Djokovic, who posted a heartfelt tribute for the Spaniard on social media, opened up about being the last man standing from the Big 4 after his quarterfinal at the Shanghai Masters.
"Well, I posted, you saw it on instagram. I meant every word. He’s [Rafael Nadal] been my greatest rival. The rivalry I had with him has impacted me the most in my career by far. I mean, we knew that the moment is coming sooner than later. But it’s still a shock. When it came officially, also for Roger a few years ago as well, when he announced retirement.. Andy as well this year.. it’s a bit overwhelming for me to be honest," Djokovic said.
"I don’t know what to make of it. I still enjoy competing. But part of me left with them.. a big part of me. It’s tough news for the tennis world, for the sports world. Rafa has been an inspiration for millions of children around the world," he added.
Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, and Murray dominated the ATP Tour this century. The quartet has won 69 Grand Slams and they have also won four out of the seven Olympic singles gold medals this century.
