Roger Federer Returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium for Exhibition Match, Rules Out Tour Comeback

Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is returning to the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium for an exhibition event, marking his first appearance playing at the US Open venue since 2019. Speaking at a press conference on Monday ahead of the Tuesday evening event, the 45-year-old Swiss player expressed both nervousness and delight about stepping back onto the court in New York.

The exhibition slate features a single set of singles play between Federer and former American professional Andy Roddick. Following that match, Federer will team up with John McEnroe for a doubles set against Roddick and Andre Agassi. Federer noted that he has not played a full singles set since his final major appearance in 2021, admitting to uncertainty regarding his current form on court.

During the media session, Federer firmly dismissed any possibility of returning to professional tour competition in his mid-40s. When asked whether he might emulate long careers like those of Venus and Serena Williams by competing in future Grand Slam tournaments, Federer quickly squelched the idea. “No, no, no, no. No, not at all,” Federer said, adding that he was glad to clarify his stance so fans and observers would not harbor unrealistic expectations.

Federer’s visit to New York serves as a prelude to a ceremonial milestone later in the week. Following his appearance at the US Open grounds, he is scheduled to travel to Newport, Rhode Island, where he will be formally inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.

Reflecting on his departure from professional tennis, Federer acknowledged that his final appearance at the US Open in 2019 came without an official farewell. He lost in the quarter-finals that year to Grigor Dimitrov before subsequent health complications derailed his career. Multiple knee surgeries followed in 2020 and 2021, culminating in his departure from active competition after a quarter-final defeat to Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon in 2021. Federer explained that his physical condition made further professional play impossible, noting that his knee could no longer sustain the demands of tour tennis.

While acknowledging that Tuesday’s exhibition matches would be informal, Federer emphasized the emotional significance of returning to play in front of the New York crowd. He stated that the exhibition provides an authentic opportunity to express gratitude and bid a proper farewell to fans who supported him throughout his career, including his five consecutive US Open titles from 2004 to 2008.

Background

Roger Federer is widely regarded as one of the most successful tennis players in history, having won 20 Grand Slam singles titles over a professional career spanning more than two decades. Between 2004 and 2008, he dominated the men’s game at Flushing Meadows, winning five consecutive US Open titles. His dominance at the tournament ended in 2009, and his last appearance as a competitor in New York occurred during the 2019 tournament, prior to severe knee injuries that eventually forced his retirement from professional tennis.