Roger Federer is preparing for a celebratory return to Arthur Ashe Stadium this week, marking his first appearance at the iconic venue since his final US Open campaign in 2019. The exhibition, scheduled for Tuesday night during the tournament’s “fan week,” will feature a doubles showcase alongside tennis legends and former rivals Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe. Collectively, this group of stars has secured a dozen men’s singles titles at the US Open.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Federer expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with the New York crowd. He noted that the event serves as a meaningful chance to thank his supporters, particularly as he prepares for his upcoming induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport later this week. For many fans, this appearance offers a long-awaited sendoff for the 20-time Grand Slam champion, a milestone that other legends like Serena Williams and Agassi previously enjoyed.
Reflecting on his departure from the sport, Federer recalled that his 2019 quarterfinal loss to Grigor Dimitrov was not intended to be his final appearance at the tournament. Although he continued to compete afterward, recurring injuries sidelined him from the US Open in 2020 and 2021, eventually leading to his final professional match at the Laver Cup in September 2022. While he has participated in select exhibitions since retiring, he noted that the timing finally aligned for a New York return this year.
Federer also shared that his four children—two sets of twins aged 12 and 17—are now at an age where they can better appreciate watching him play. Regarding the upcoming exhibition, he anticipates a respectful and lighthearted match rather than a grueling contest. “We’re not playing best of five,” he remarked, adding that he hopes the event will be an enjoyable experience for both the players and the spectators.
Despite the excitement surrounding his return to the court, Federer firmly dismissed any speculation regarding a professional comeback. When asked about the possibility of accepting a wildcard entry for the tournament, he repeatedly declined, stating “no” multiple times. He emphasized that his current life is too busy to accommodate the demands of professional tennis, concluding that he is content to remain a fan of the sport and simply enjoy watching from the sidelines. The report also notes that he had planned to keep playing, when Federer lost in the 2019 quarterfinals to Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria.
