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“Everyone Just Wants To Watch Roger Federer, Who Cares About Match” – Fans Mesmerized By Swiss Icon’s ‘Aura’ In Shanghai Final Attendance

The Shanghai Masters final between Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Rafael Jodar became a secondary attraction to the presence of tennis legend Roger Federer in the stands. Fokina, the 25th seed, staged an impressive comeback to defeat Jodar 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in a match that lasted two hours and 27 minutes.

Despite Jodar’s early dominance—winning the first set 6-1—Fokina fought back, capitalizing on his opponent’s medical issues, which included thigh and foot problems requiring attention during the match. The crowd’s excitement, however, was not solely focused on the match itself but on Federer’s appearance, which sparked a standing ovation when cameras captured him in the stands.

Social media buzzed with reactions, with fans joking that Federer’s aura overshadowed the game, calling him the 'real GOAT' and celebrating his enduring influence on the sport. Federer, who has won the Shanghai Masters twice before (in 2014 and 2017), continues to captivate audiences worldwide, including in China, where he recently participated in an exhibition match as part of the On Thanks for Playing series.

His presence at the event also highlighted the growing popularity of tennis in the region, particularly among younger players, as he has previously noted the enthusiasm and potential for growth in the sport there.

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