Roger Federer returned to the US Open on Tuesday for a memorable exhibition night.
The 20-time major champion, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, was welcomed with a standing ovation at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Federer played one set against former rival Andy Roddick, with the Swiss winning 6-3. Then, Federer partnered John McEnroe to defeat Andre Agassi and Roddick 7-5 in a doubles match.
“It’s great to be back in New York,” said Federer, who competed at the American slam for the final time in 2019. “It’s incredible. I have incredible memories of this court, the fans here, the city. In 2004, 2005 — that’s when it all started here, my love for New York with the victories here.”
When the five-time US Open titlist (2004-2008) walked out onto the largest tennis-only stadium in the world, he was greeted with a hero’s welcome by the packed New York crowd.
“I fell in love with this city and this court from day one,” Federer said. “I believe my first time on the center court was against Andre [in 2001]. He smashed me 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. I had no shot. I was like, ‘Okay, not so easy, not so fast, Roger’,” he added with a laugh.
Roger Federer embraces Andy Roddick while John McEnroe hugs Andre Agassi. Credit: Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images
A hype video narrated by renowned actor Matthew McConaughey was shown on the stadium’s video board. Several celebrities were in attendance, including Anna Wintour, who performed the coin toss ahead of Federer and Roddick's clash. Tennis stars Serena Williams, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Casper Ruud and Alexandra Eala were among those watching the 103-time tour-level titlist.
Federer, who turned 45 earlier this month, will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday, 29 August. One of 29 members in the exclusive ATP No. 1 Club, Federer spent 310 total weeks as World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, including a record 237 consecutive weeks in the pole position.
McEnroe said: “It’s gonna be an epic weekend for tennis in general. I’m so happy that I’m going to be up there [in Newport] for a couple days to witness it. And have fun, that would be my recommendation. I know he will.”
Agassi added: “How cool is it that this dude is going in the Hall of Fame this year? Well done, Roger. I’m so pumped. I gotta say — I think I was the first person to know he was going to make the Hall of Fame. When he won his 19th Slam, I was like, ‘Yeah, he’s got this’.
"I thought the 20th was unnecessary and a little bit on the insecure side," the American sarcastically joked. "Nevertheless, I’m really pumped because it makes everybody else who’s figured out how to barely get in feel a heck of a lot better about themselves.”
Roddick said: “We obviously played a bunch and he beat me a bunch. But we were always able to navigate a friendship through the middle of our careers and that’s lasted until now and hopefully will last forever.”
The night concluded with a special drone show over New York to celebrate Federer. The drone art featured silhouettes of Federer, his famous RF logo, the US Open trophy and more.
Roger Federer in action Tuesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Credit: Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images
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