Roger Federer traveled to Shenzhen to hit with junior tennis players at the Shenzhen Bay Maritime Stadium as part of an ongoing partnership with sportswear brand On.

Standing on the outdoor floating court on the Shenzhen waterfront, Federer rallied with youth players during an evening exhibition event. The gathering formed part of the “Thank You, Every Match” series hosted by On, which has partnered with the 20-time Grand Slam champion for three years to support grassroots tennis development in China. Drone displays lit up the Shenzhen sky to mark the occasion, depicting milestones in Federer’s career from his junior years in Basel to his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in August.

“When I was young in Basel, tennis was just a wooden racket and an unbelievable dream,” Federer said during the event. “Today coming to Shenzhen, standing on the maritime court and playing with young players, it reminds me of the many moments with China over these years, and the beauty of tennis.”

Grassroots Growth and On Partnership

The On brand’s series in China has previously supported youth programs, including initiatives with the Yunnan Wild Elephant Tennis Club. Rebecca Cai, On’s global chief marketing officer, noted that Federer’s continued presence helps attract young athletes to the sport. Since his first visit to China in 2002, Federer’s trips have coincided with the expansion of international tournaments across the country and a rise in domestic interest.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame inducted Federer in August, recognizing both his 20 Grand Slam men’s singles titles and his contributions off the court. The exhibition in Shenzhen concluded with a group photograph alongside the participating junior players and local organizers.

Event Details and Schedule

The Shenzhen exhibition took place in the evening.