Former world number one Roger Federer has thanked fans in China for the support that they have shown him at the ongoing Shanghai Masters.

The 32-year-old booked his place in round three of the tournament earlier today with a 6-4 6-3 victory over Italy's Andreas Seppi.

"It was crazy in the practice today. I expected some people to be there, but not sort of hanging over the fence and holding up the banner 'I believe in you'," Federer told reporters.

"It was great energy, I must say. It gives me unbelievable motivation. It inspires me to train hard, work hard and push further for that particular day, but also wanting to come back again next year, and again and again."

Federer has not won a Grand Slam since the 2012 installment of Wimbledon.