Roger Federer instructs Chinese junior players during the Mercedes-Benz "Swing for the Stars" junior tennis development program on Saturday in Shanghai. The program aims to cultivate the potential of future stars in China, especially talented young players, while at the same time promoting tennis to the general public. [Provided to China Daily]

SHANGHAI - Roger Federer still remembers the ecstasy and inspiration when he first trained with a professional player at a tennis clinic as a 15-year-old.

So when the 16-time Grand Slam winner spent Saturday coaching a group of Chinese junior players in the "Swing for the Stars" junior tennis development program, he hoped to recreate the inspiration that helped drive him to become one of the greatest players in history.

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"I hope I can influence them in how they look at things. Some little tips sometimes can make a huge difference," Federer said during the clinic, which is part of a program that Mercedes-Benz and the China Tennis Association launched in 2008.

"Maybe I am saying nothing that a coach hasn't already told them. Because it comes from me, I think it can have a bigger impact."

During the two-hour workout at the Shanghai International Tennis Center, Federer tried to give as much instruction and advice as much as possible. He concluded his clinic with a question-and-answer session with the 24 players selected from thousands of the best youngsters in China.

"It's very important to have fun, to work extremely hard. Just imagine that you have counterparts in Brazil, Argentina, America, Spain working extremely hard as well," he told the kids.

The Swiss superstar also offered up tales of more trying times early in his career.

"I also cried a lot after practice sessions, after losing my junior matches," he said. "I once got kicked out of practice. I went through it all, although it looks like nothing can happen to me now.

"You will work through good times, through bad. In the end, you always have to look at the light at the end of the tunnel. That's very important."

For the young players, working with Federer is exactly the kind of inspiration they need to boost their dreams of a tennis career.

"I am dreaming of becoming the world No 1 like Roger. I hope to be a better player than him," said Lu Chengze, a 12-year-old boy from Shenzhen.

Federer also said it was interesting to receive a glance at the state of Chinese tennis at the fundamental level through the program.

The "Swing for the Stars" program offers comprehensive support in promoting the development of tennis in China. It aims to cultivate future stars while at the same time promoting tennis among the general public.

"I think the program is very important," the Swiss star said. "I think it's important to support the grassroots level from scratch. It's important to start at a low level, then you bring them up and support them all the way through."

He also said China, sporting a tennis-playing population many times larger than his home country, has great potential.

"You've seen the result on the women's side and there are many great players now. On the men's side, it's a lot slower," he said.

"Success does not come easy. I think if you have the right sponsors, the right people, the right coaches around you, there is a very good chance to make it as well."

Federer himself is considering opening his own tennis academy after retiring to develop more young players.

"I like to I think it's something very rewarding to have someone coming from your tennis academy play on the big stage," he said.

"I love working with young kids and giving them a chance."