Roger Federer plays first exhibition match since retirement

Federer, who ended his 24-year-long tennis career at the Laver Cup in London in September, took part in a brief match played at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, as a part of an event organised by his long-time sponsor Uniqlo.

Tennis legend Roger Federer of Switzerland (L), who retired from competitive tennis earlier this year, shakes hands with Japanese wheelchair player Shingo Kunieda (R) as they play during a promotional event at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo on Saturday. | Photo Credit: AFP

Roger Federer played his first exhibition tennis match since retiring from the sport.

Twenty-time Grand Slam winner Federer, who ended his 24-year-long tennis career at the Laver Cup in London in September, took part in a brief match played at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, as a part of an event organised by his long-time sponsor Uniqlo.

アンバサダーたちによるテニスセッション。普段の試合とは違った、和気あいあいとした雰囲気。
A special tennis session amongst Ambassadors.
Fun vibes all around.#LifeWearDay2022#UNIQLO

📱17:30からオンライン配信中
Livestreaming now pic.twitter.com/2vBmUbGxli

— UNIQLO_Ambassadors (@UQAmbassadors) November 19, 2022

Federer teamed up with local player Shingo Kunieda, World No. 1 in men’s wheelchair tennis. The two played against the duo was the pair of Gordon Reid, British World No. 4 in wheelchair tennis, and another local player, Kurumi Nara, a former World No. 32 in WTA Rankings.

Federer and Kunieda won the tiebreak set 8-6 in a match officiated by another local favourite and Olympic bronze medallist Kei Nishikori.