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.

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.

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.