Federer dazzles Shenzhen with floating court, fan moments

Roger Federer plays tennis on a court built over the water in Shenzhen as a drone display forms a giant tennis court in the night sky. Photos courtesy of event organizer

Tennis legend Roger Federer brought his signature grace to Shenzhen yesterday for the first time, headlining the third consecutive edition of the "On Thanks for Playing" event with a dramatic floating court on the waters of Shenzhen Talent Park.

Federer has been a key partner of On, the Swiss sportswear brand, since 2019, when he invested in the company and helped design the Roger Federer Collection. The "On Thanks for Playing" event is part of that partnership, bringing the tennis icon to cities around the world for fan-focused appearances.

Earlier in the day, video footage from social media showed him waving to waiting fans at the Shenzhen airport, his trademark smile setting the tone for a day of close interaction.

Roger Federer signs a giant tennis ball during the “On Thanks for Playing” event in Shenzhen.

Before the water court session, Federer appeared at Shenzhen MixC World in Nanshan District, where he signed autographs for a steady stream of fans waiting at the On store there.

Against the backdrop of the skyscraper skyline, Federer then traded rallies with young fans on a specially built floating court on the park's lake.

"It is super exciting for me to be here first time in this incredible city," Federer said on stage.

"This is gonna be a lot of fun. I have a good feeling and I hope you'll also gonna be loud and cheering me on and cheering all the kids on. I know we're going to have a good time together, so thank you for coming out and have the best time. Thank you guys," he added.

Three Shenzhen children stole the show when they stepped onto the floating court for a cross-net rally with the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Roger Federer poses with young tennis players on a waterfront court in Shenzhen beneath a drone display featuring the message “On Thanks for Playing.”

A drone show recreates Roger Federer’s signature one-handed backhand in the night sky above a waterfront tennis court in Shenzhen.

Federer, who retired in 2022 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this year, holds 20 Grand Slam singles titles, 103 ATP Tour titles and spent 310 weeks ranked world No. 1, including a record 237 consecutive weeks. Widely celebrated for his elegant playing style and nicknamed "GOAT" by fans, he remains one of the sport's most beloved figures.

The Shenzhen stop also included online ticket draws and signed merchandise giveaways. As night fell, a 2,000-drone light show paid tribute to Federer, drawing cheers from the crowd and capping a day that saw "Federer in Shenzhen," "floating tennis court" and "drone show for Federer" trend across social media.

It was Federer's third straight year participating in the brand event, but his first visit to Shenzhen. Since 2002, Federer has traveled to China 17 times for competitions.