The defending champion of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships champion Roger Federer surprised guests at the Chinese New Year celebrations at the Burj Al Arab on Thursday evening.
Dressed in a black suit and charming as always with his magnetic smile, the Swiss tennis star joined dignitaries from China and a throng of fans in celebrating the occasion. Also present were Chinese Ambassador Chang Hua, Consul General Tang Weibin, Salah Tahlak, tournament director of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship, Gerald Lawless, Jumeriah Group president and group CEO, and Anthony McHale, general manager of Burj Al Arab.
Federer didn’t disappoint, posing for the camera and signing autographs, including one for the ambassador’s child. “Kung Hei Fat Choi”, he said as he extended his felicitations those celebrating Chinese New Year around the world.
The six-time Dubai champion also participated in the traditional ceremony of colouring of the eyes of the lion just before the traditional lion dance. This activity is restricted to people of high social status, as it is believed to give the lion its spirit and brings it to life.
Federer said it was an honour for him to be part of the celebration. “The Burj Al Arab is iconic, and this celebration is a nice gesture for the Chinese guests,” he said. “I’ve had some amazing moments playing here in Dubai, especially playing here on the helipad, and playing in China, too, so the chance to celebrate this, I wasn’t going to miss it.”
