Published 21:07 IST, October 8th 2019
Shanghai Masters: All you need to know about 'Federer Day'
Michael Luevano, the Tournament Director of the Shanghai Masters has revealed the reason behind holding 'Federer Day'. That day is celebrated on Saturday.
The Shanghai Masters is a professional men's lawn tennis tournament that is played on both outdoor as well as hard courts. It is annually held in the month of October at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena which is located in the Minhang district of Shanghai. The Shanghai Masters is the eighth out of nine ATP Tour Masters events of the ATP Tour and the special thing about this tournament is that it is the only competition that is not played in Europe or North America. However, this tournament has another unique specialty as well.
'Federer Day' at Shanghai Masters
Believe it or not but there is a day which has been dedicated to tennis legend Roger Federer. In an interview with ATP Radio, Michael Luevano, Tournament Director of Shanghai Masters has revealed why a day has been dedicated to the winner of 20 Grand Slams. Federer Day is held on Saturday.
"About three years ago speaking with Roger, he really has so many fans that he wanted to do something for fans and so he has an open practice session on the central court. We had never opened the stadium on a Saturday in the past years. We had a number of fun activities for the fans and families. We organise a shoutout involving Roger, Marin Cilic, and professional basketball stars. The fans loved it in terms of social media, television", said Luevano.
Federer and Nadal mentor Fabio Fognini
Both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were on the same page during the Laver Cup which was played last month. The veteran players were seen mentoring World No. 11 Fabio Fognini during his singles match against Jack Sock as Team Europe took on Team World. Fognini seemed to be a bit carried away and stressed out and while he was taking a water break, both Federer and Nadal came forward to encourage him with their wise words. Federer told the Italian to focus on his game and urged him to ignore negativity and urged him to be positive.
"Believe in the good thing", said Federer.
Nadal, on the other hand, was heard giving encouraging in Spanish.
Updated 22:13 IST, October 8th 2019