Roger Federer Celebrates Tennis with On Thanks for Playing Event in Shanghai
### Roger Federer Champions Grassroots Tennis in Shanghai with On Initiative
Tennis legend Roger Federer continues to influence the sport positively through his engagement with global tennis growth initiatives. Partnering with the Swiss sportswear brand On, Federer participated in On’s second “On Thanks for Playing” event, held in Shanghai, China, aimed at promoting grassroots tennis and community involvement.
### Celebrating Community with Renovated Tennis Courts
The event featured the inauguration of newly refurbished tennis courts at the Shanghai Xuhui District First Youth Amateur Sports School, a project completed with the assistance of local partners. These upgrades aim to provide a quality training environment for young, aspiring tennis players and foster a love for tennis in the broader community. The renovation was led by Liu Yunzhi, a former professional player and renowned tennis court builder, who has developed over 4,000 professional courts across China in her 27-year career.
### Federer’s Continued Commitment to Tennis Development
Roger Federer’s presence at the event was a testament to his ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of tennis players. As a co-entrepreneur with On, Federer showcased his dedication by participating in the ceremonial “first ball” on the new courts and engaging with young players by offering guidance and playing alongside them. “Supporting the development of tennis at the grassroots level is incredibly important,” remarked Rebecca Cai, General Manager of On APAC. She praised Liu Yunzhi and her team’s contributions to China’s tennis scene, celebrating their hard work behind the scenes.
### On’s Efforts to Expand Tennis Accessibility
On’s initiative in Shanghai is a fraction of their broader effort to make tennis more accessible and popular across the globe. The brand’s proactive approach includes not only organizing special events but also introducing the 2025 Shanghai Special Tennis Collection. This exclusive line features footwear and apparel highlighting the distinctive styles of Roger Federer and Shanghai.
### A Special Occasion for Fans and the Tennis Community
Federer also took the opportunity to connect directly with fans by visiting the On store at Shanghai’s IAPM Mall, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to supporting the global tennis community. This event marks another significant chapter in On’s journey to encourage young talent and share the joy of tennis beyond major tournaments.
### Legacy and Future Initiatives
| Event | Year | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| First “On Thanks for Playing” Event | 2024 | Shanghai | Federer played with young players from Wild Elephant club. |
| Second “On Thanks for Playing” Event | 2025 | Shanghai | Inauguration of renovated courts; Federer’s engagement with players. |
The ongoing initiatives by On and Roger Federer highlight a sustained endeavor to make tennis inclusive and accessible, ensuring the sport grows not just in China, but worldwide.
