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Roger Federer is happy to have Andy Murray back on tour, saying that the former No. 1's play appears to be improving again as he returns to tour.

Murray being back is first and foremost a positive off the court, according to the No. 3-ranked Federer.

"It was great to see him again and just chat with him for a little bit," Federer was quoted as saying at his pre-event press conference at the Shanghai Masters, where they are both playing. "I think it’s super exciting for the tour and for us players because he's very much a guy we like and respect a lot.

"We need guys like him who also lead by example with hard work and toughness and fairness."

Murray is coming off a good event at Beijing, where he reached the quarterfinals and scored his first top 20 victory since undergoing hip surgery this season.

"I also feel like he’s playing better and better, which is going to be great," said Federer.

Murray has received a wildcard, and first plays a qualifier. Federer is the No.2 seed at Shanghai.

Federer is happy to have fellow Big 4 member Murray back on tour

Federer is happy to have fellow Big 4 member Murray back on tour