WATCH: Roger Federer fondly recalls defeating Rafael Nadal in the 2017 Shanghai Masters finals as he calls the year one of his best ever

Roger Federer recalls defeating Rafael Nadal at the Shanghai Masters as the Swiss returns to the tournament for tribute to his stellar career.

WATCH: Roger Federer fondly recalls defeating Rafael Nadal in the 2017 Shanghai Masters finals as he calls the year one of his best ever

Roger Federer(L) and Rafael Nadal (R) (Credits: The New York Times)

Tennis veteran Roger Federer spoke about his best experience at the Shanghai Masters as he made an appearance in Shanghai to be honored with the maiden international ‘Icon Athlete’ award. His favorite moment of the tournament dates back to 2017 when the 42-year-old defeated his favorite nemesis Rafael Nadal on the court. The Swiss star thinks of that year as one of his best on the court.

2017 was indeed one of the best years for Federer. He made an impactful comeback after having to cut his year short in 2016 due to an injury. The former world no.1 dropped to a rank outside the top ten. He was world no. 16 at that time.

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Federer began his conquest in Shanghai by defending himself against Diego Schwartzman, Alexandr Dolgopolov, and Richard Gasquet in straight sets. He battled through a tough 3-setter match against Juan Martín del Potro to secure a place for himself in the finals. The 20-time Grand Slam title champion then met his long-time friend and rival Rafael Nadal in the final of the tournament. He defeated the Spaniard in straight sets with a scoreline of 6-4,6-3 in the final.

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“I thought I played extremely well in that match. I felt like Rafa was a little bit banged up with his knees and maybe a bit tired, but I played a fantastic tournament in a fantastic year in 2017 when I came back with my knee problems,” the tennis star said at the ceremony.

That season saw him be the champion of two major Grand Slam titles. He won the Australian Open and the Wimbledon, gaining two titles in the same year for the first time after 2009.

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Roger Federer among Forbes’s Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes

Roger Federer has made it to the list of highest-paid athletes in 2023 even after his retirement. The list is led by football athletes Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo topped the list with $136 million, with Messi following him at $130 million.

Roger Federer
Roger Federer (Credits: Tennis-Infinity.com)

According to Forbes, the 42-year-old athlete mostly made most of his income off-court. He is placed ninth on the list. The Swiss Maestro earned $95.1 million between 1 May 2022 and 1 May 2023. During this course of time, his only on-court appearance was at the Laver Cup. The former World No.1 partnered with his friend and rival Rafael Nadal to play a doubles match against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

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