Roger Federer is back at Flushing Meadows for the first time in seven years, stepping onto the grounds ahead of the US Open to take part in an exhibition match on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion will headline a star-studded doubles lineup alongside Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe. The exhibition serves as a formal farewell to New York for the Swiss legend, who last played the tournament in 2019 before injuries and his eventual retirement in September 2022 kept him away from the venue.
A Stressful Return to Flushing Meadows
“To be honest, it’s stressful. I haven’t played a single set since, I think, Hurkacz at Wimbledon, that must be five years (outside of the Laver Cup),” Federer said with a smile. “There is a lot of joy in being able to come back to where I experienced so many wonderful moments.”
Reflecting on Five Consecutive Titles
Federer’s last competitive appearance at Flushing Meadows came in 2019, when he fell in the quarterfinals to Grigor Dimitrov. Subsequent plans to return were derailed by knee surgeries in 2020 and 2021, leading up to his emotional farewell at the Laver Cup in London.
When asked about his fondest memory in New York, Federer pointed to his historic run of five straight titles in the 2000s. He noted that conquering the final major of the season year after year required immense resilience against brutal humidity, heavy winds, and relentless draws.
“I think it’s simply having been able to win five in a row (from 2004 to 2008),” Federer said. “It’s the last Grand Slam of the season, everyone wants to win it at all costs, everyone can play on hard courts, and with the humidity, the wind, and all these differences one year after another, it’s very hard.”
Family Presence and Closing the Door on a Comeback
The exhibition match gives Federer a rare chance to share his tennis history with his children, who were too young to fully appreciate the peak of his career. “The kids are growing up, so they will be able to enjoy seeing their dad play a little bit,” Federer said of his two sets of twins.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2026/08/25/image-16d1f520-a152-4ec6-b974-5792900cea04-85-2560-1440.jpeg "Photo: eurosport.fr")
Addressing persistent questions from reporters regarding a potential professional comeback, Federer shut down any speculation immediately. “No, no, no, not at all. Thanks for asking. I was wondering if that was going to be asked, but I’m glad to be able to clarify just in case anyone had any doubt,” he stated.
Next Steps
Following Tuesday’s exhibition match on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Federer is scheduled to travel to Newport, Rhode Island, where he will be formally inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Related reading
