The once invincible Federer will attempt to prevent any more slips in his ranking as the ATP World Tour Finals approach closer. PHOTO: AFP
Federer, with a record 17 Grand Slam singles titles and now striving to stay at the top of the game, has played doubles only once this year although he won the Olympic title in 2008.
“We know that Roger does not play a lot of doubles through the year,” said tournament director Michael Luevano in a press release. “So having him take to the doubles court in Shanghai is a wonderful addition to what is already shaping up to be a fantastic week of tennis.”
He added, “It is just amazing that Roger has chosen to play with a Chinese player. It is a great testament to his affection with China and his Chinese fans, he really could have played with anyone.”
The 23-year-old Zhang, nicknamed ‘Big George’, is China’s highest ranked singles player at 180 – compared to Federer’s world number six – with a doubles rating of 334.
“I know I am going to be quite nervous to be the doubles partner of Roger,” said Zhang. “He is such a big name all over the world and has achieved so much success.”
The October 6-13 Shanghai Masters is shaping up as an important week for Federer, 32, as he bids to stay inside the world’s top eight and reach the end-of-year ATP World Tour Finals in London.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 14th, 2013.
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