Roger Federer took the scenic route to get to Shanghai for the upcoming ATP Masters 1000. He made pit stops in Tokyo and Kyoto to meet with his new clothing brand, Uniqlo.
The Swiss is ranked No. 2 going into Shanghai, where world No. 3 Novak Djokovic is also expected to compete.
Look who just arrived.. @DjokerNole welcome to Shanghai! Your fans look very pleased #RolexSHMasters #Djokovic #simplythebest pic.twitter.com/yUjM1vicNQ
— RolexShMasters (@SH_RolexMasters) October 5, 2018
Federer had already put in some practices and gotten re-familiarized with the stadium.
The 37-year-old hasn't played an official match since losing in the fourth round of the US Open but he helped Team Europe defend its Laver Cup title in Chicago with wins over Nick Kyrgios and John Isner.
#Federer practicing a different kind of backhand ???? at the Qizhong Tennis Center. Looking good, Roger! #RolexSHMasters @rogerfederer #RogerFederer ???? cred: Frey-TPN pic.twitter.com/3HNgMoWKX8
— RolexShMasters (@SH_RolexMasters) October 5, 2018
Federer is the defending champion in Shanghai.