Roger Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion who redefined men’s tennis during a storied career, is set to return to the court at the U.S. Open this year. The Swiss icon, who retired from professional competition in September 2022, will participate in a high-profile exhibition match at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. This appearance marks his first return to the New York Grand Slam tournament since his last competitive showing in 2019.
A Star-Studded Return to Arthur Ashe Stadium
The exhibition match is scheduled to take place during the qualifying stages of the U.S. Open, bringing the former world No. 1 back to the venue where he secured five consecutive titles between 2004 and 2008. Federer will be joined on court by fellow tennis legends Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, and Andre Agassi for a doubles showcase. The event is designed to celebrate the history of the tournament and Federer’s significant contributions to the sport.
“The U.S. Open has always been one of the most special tournaments for me,” Federer said in a statement. “So many unforgettable moments of my career happened in New York, and Arthur Ashe Stadium is a place that means a great deal to me.” He noted that sharing the evening with Roddick, McEnroe, and Agassi adds a layer of significance to his return to the iconic stadium.
Building on a Post-Retirement Comeback
While Federer officially concluded his professional career at the Laver Cup in 2022, he has gradually re-engaged with the sport through select appearances. Earlier this year, he made a notable return at the Australian Open, participating in an exhibition match alongside Lleyton Hewitt and Andre Agassi. He also recently engaged in a practice session with current tour star Casper Ruud, signaling a continued physical and mental connection to the game.
Federer’s return to Flushing Meadows aligns with his status as one of the most successful players in the tournament’s history. Alongside Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors, he holds the Open Era record for the most U.S. Open singles titles, with five. His dominance in New York remains a cornerstone of his career legacy, which includes 103 career singles titles and 310 weeks ranked as the world No. 1 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).
The Legacy of a Tennis Icon
Since turning professional in 1998, Federer amassed over $130 million in career prize money, placing him third all-time in earnings. His versatility across surfaces—winning titles at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open—cemented his reputation as one of the most complete players in the history of the sport. His career record of 1,251 wins against 275 losses reflects a level of consistency that defined an era of tennis.
For fans, the upcoming exhibition provides a rare opportunity to see one of the sport’s most influential figures on the court once again. The event serves as a bridge between the current generation of talent and the legends who shaped the modern game, highlighting the enduring appeal of the U.S. Open as a stage for tennis history.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Federer is the scheduled exhibition match at Flushing Meadows on August 25, 2026. Official updates regarding the tournament schedule and broadcast information will be provided through the U.S. Open’s primary channels as the date approaches.
Related reading
