Roger Federer Plays Tennis on the Water as On Lights Up Shenzhen

Roger Federer has played tennis on grass, clay and hard courts around the world. Now he can add water to the list.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion took center stage on a floating tennis court in Shenzhen, China, as Swiss sportswear brand On staged an extraordinary waterfront celebration featuring thousands of spectators, a dazzling drone show and a reunion with some of the country's most promising young players.

The event, part of On's global "Thanks for Playing" series, transformed Shenzhen Talent Park into an outdoor tennis spectacle, with Federer rallying against a glittering city skyline.

Photo credit: On

Joining him on the water was 18-year-old Fa Wang, the Yunnan teenager who became an internet sensation four years ago as the "Basket-carrying Tennis Teen." Young Chinese players Xinya Xiao, Siyan Jiang and Zixi Yang also shared the court with the Swiss legend.

For Federer, who remains closely involved with On as a co-entrepreneur, the experience brought him back to his own childhood in Basel.

"When I was growing up as a kid in Basel, tennis was also just an incredible dream and a wooden racquet for me," Federer said. "Stepping onto the floating court today in Shenzhen and rallying with these young players reminds me why this sport is so magical. ‘On Thanks for Playing’ is a celebration of everyone who shares that same passion for tennis and helps make the sport so special."

Photo credit: On

The evening reached another level when 2,000 drones illuminated the Shenzhen skyline, tracing a tennis dream that began in Switzerland and traveled across the globe. The spectacle culminated in On's signature message: "Dream On."

According to On, more than 9.6 million people watched the event via livestream.

The celebration also introduced a special edition of THE ROGER Wildcard sneaker, created through an unusual collaboration between Federer's footwear brand and China's Wild Elephant Tennis Club.

Photo credit: On

Federer first met the young players from the club in Shanghai two years ago. An original hand-painted drawing by one of the children subsequently inspired graphic details and the custom sockliner of the new shoe.

The children reunited with Federer at On's new Shenzhen flagship store, bringing a personal dimension to an event otherwise defined by its enormous scale.

For On, which has built a growing presence in professional tennis through athletes including former University of Florida star Ben Shelton, the Shenzhen celebration demonstrated just how far its ambitions extend beyond conventional sports marketing.

And Federer, four years after his retirement from competitive tennis, remains an extraordinary draw.

Apparently, even the court itself doesn't need to stay on land.

Sources: On Official Press Release | On Editorial Photo Library. Photo credit (top): On.

FLORIDA TENNIS NEWS — POWERED BY OUR PARTNERS