Roger Federer Returns to the US Open in Star-Studded Exhibition Match

The 45-year-old Swiss expressed deep emotion during his return to the venue where he secured five consecutive singles titles between 2005 and 2008. “Es genial estar de vuelta en Nueva York. Tengo recuerdos increíbles de esta cancha, de los aficionados de aquí, de la ciudad,” Federer declared, according to reports by the Associated Press.

Grandstands across the arena filled with spectators wearing caps emblazoned with the “RF” monogram, a visual nod to the 15-year period of dominance that yielded 20 Grand Slam titles. Beyond his singles showdown against Roddick, the evening featured a doubles pairing that united Federer and John McEnroe against Roddick and Andre Agassi. Serena Williams watched from the tribunes just hours after completing a mixed doubles match alongside Carlos Alcaraz.

A Rivalry Forged in Competition and Evolving into Friendship

The exhibition captured the spirit of an era defined by rivalries that softened into enduring bonds. Roddick, who is approaching his 44th birthday and captured the US Open title in 2003, reflected warmly on sharing the court with his old adversary once more.

“Todo se reduce a Roger. Jugamos muchas veces y él me ganó muchas veces, pero siempre pudimos mantener una amistad en medio de nuestras carreras,” Roddick stated. “Se trata simplemente de presentarse cuando Roger te lo pide.”

Federer spent time reminiscing about his early history in New York, recalling his arrival in 1998 for the junior tournament where he reached the final. He contrasted that experience with his 2001 debut on the tournament’s central court against Andre Agassi, who defeated him in straight sets 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. “No tuve ninguna oportunidad. Y pensé: ‘bueno, no es tan fácil, no es tan rápido, Roger’,” the Swiss recalled with a laugh. That early setback preceded a run that saw him defeat Agassi in the 2005 final before Juan Martín del Potro halted his streak in the 2009 championship match.

Looking Back at the Nerves and Forward to Retirement

Ahead of the exhibition clash, Federer admitted to feeling genuine anxiety about playing a singles set after a lengthy absence from competitive play. “Para ser honesto, me pone muy nervioso. No he jugado un set de singles en, no sé… quizá Hurkacz en Wimbledon, así que han pasado cinco años,” he noted, referencing his quarterfinal defeat to Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon 2021. Federer formally retired at the Laver Cup in 2022, though injuries kept him away from the New York crowds in the final seasons of his career.

When questioned by reporters about any possibility of a professional comeback, Federer provided an unequivocal response. “No, no, no. Tengo demasiados obstáculos y estoy demasiado ocupado; apenas encuentro tiempo para jugar partidos de exhibición. Mi cuerpo ya no da para más,” he explained. He emphasized that his perspective on the sport has transformed since walking away from the tour, adding, “Ahora solo soy un aficionado más disfrutando de ver tenis.”

Ultimately, the New York appearance offered a missing chapter in his farewell. “Realmente me da la oportunidad de dar las gracias y despedirme, lo cual creo que es importante para algunos. Para mí lo es, y es algo bonito de hacer,” Federer said.

What Lies Ahead at Flushing Meadows

The exhibition events provide the curtain-raiser for the main US Open, which begins later this week. Federer’s attention shifts toward his formal induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on August 29, 2026.