WATCH: Roger Federer narrowly loses to eight-year-old junior table tennis champion ‘Pineapple’ in Shanghai

The 20-time Grand Slam singles title winner is touring Asia currently and recently made the trip to Shanghai for his sponsor Uniqlo.

WATCH: Roger Federer narrowly loses to eight-year-old junior table tennis champion ‘Pineapple’ in Shanghai

Roger Federer (Image via IMAGO/Youtube)

Former World No. 1 Roger Federer is currently enjoying his vacation in Asia. He was recently seen in Thailand with his parents, enjoying local delicacies and indulging in the local culture of Bangkok.

Amid this, the Swiss maestro’s old sponsor, ‘Uniqlo’ got him to Shanghai yet again. The 20-time singles Grand Slam champ had made a trip previously during the 2023 Shanghai Masters and has returned yet again. 

YouTube video

He is being followed for a special series, ’24 Hours with Roger: Shanghai Edition’. In their second episode, Federer tried his luck at table tennis. But he was massively stunned at his level. The eight-time Wimbledon winner went head-to-head against Guo Duoer, aka “Pineapple.” 

FS Video

The eight-year-old is the national table tennis Junior Trials champion. The two exchanged a few rallies where Federer was also taught how to play the ‘backhand’. Ironic for one of the best backhand players of tennis. Nevertheless, the Swiss took it sportingly and grasped the skills quickly.

The two then went on to play an 11-point match that was closely contested. Federer managed to save the first match point but Pineapple won the match on the next point. She beat Federer 11-9 to a massive cheer from her coach and a wide smile from the former World No. 1 himself. 

I just won against Roger Federer.
said a happy Pineapple.

Federer then went on to congratulate her for defeating him before making a sarcastic comment on his loss. 

So she's been playing only for two or three years. I've played for 35 years.
Joked Federer before shaking hands with the kid and wishing her luck for her future.

Roger Federer shows his humility on playing with the young kid

At the start of the video, Federer had a small monologue where he commented on the popularity of table tennis in China. Some of the world’s best table tennis players have come from the country and the Swiss showed his eagerness to learn from them.

Roger Federer with the young kid Pineapple
Roger Federer with the young kid Pineapple (Image via YouTube)

He also showed his humble side when he talked about going against a Chinese table tennis player despite his experience in tennis. 

As a former tennis player, one would think I have an advantage in table tennis. But here in China, table tennis is enjoyed by nearly everybody and there are promising champions at every level of the game. And I'm here to learn from some of the best.
Said Federer.

So far, Uniqlo has released four episodes of Federer’s time in Shanghai. The episodes are in both English and Chinese language to cater to all audiences. With subtitles in English directly added, the fashion company has tried its best to be accessible to all.

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