Federer returns to US Open for exhibition win over Andy Roddick at Arthur Ashe

Roger Federer made a triumphant return to the US Open court with a pair of exhibition victories in front of an adoring Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd in New York on Tuesday.

Roger Federer made a triumphant return to the US Open court with a pair of exhibition victories in front of an adoring Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd in New York on Tuesday.

New York: Tennis veteran Roger Federer made a memorable return to the US Open on Tuesday (local time), delighting a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium as he joined tennis legends John McEnroe, Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick for a star-studded exhibition night.An icon returns!Roger Federer is back in Arthur Ashe Stadium. pic.twitter.com/oSOMqiQ0dF— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2026 Oh, the beauty! pic.twitter.com/IfXq6h6Nbf— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2026 The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, received a standing ovation from the New York crowd before taking on his former rival Roddick in a one-set singles match. Federer prevailed 6-3 before partnering with McEnroe to defeat Agassi and Roddick 7-5 in the doubles contest, according to the ATP Tour.Ny favorite time of year.Roger Federer back on court at Arthur Ashe, playing against the American great Andy Roddick.And somehow that forehand still looks absolutely ridiculous. Effortless, violent, perfect. There will never be another Federer.Forever my GOAT. pic.twitter.com/3dwAjHWJEe— sdm (@lordsambrah) August 26, 2026 "It's great to be back in New York," said Federer, who competed at the US Open 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."The five-time US Open champion, who lifted the trophy in five consecutive years from 2004 to 2008, received a hero's welcome when he walked onto the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium.A tennis legend is back at the @usopen Watch Roger Federer's return to New York tonight at 8 PM ET on ESPN2, the ESPN App and @DisneyPlus pic.twitter.com/czrffLIeQZ— ESPN (@espn) August 25, 2026 "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.The exhibition night brought together several high-profile guests and celebrities, adding to the celebratory atmosphere at the US Open. A tribute video narrated by actor Matthew McConaughey was played on the stadium's video board, while Anna Wintour conducted the coin toss ahead of the Federer-Roddick singles contest.Thank you, Roger It was a special night. pic.twitter.com/noaGJCkV8Z— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2026 Several prominent tennis stars, including Serena Williams, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Casper Ruud and Alexandra Eala, were also in attendance as Federer returned to the tournament where he produced some of the most memorable moments of his illustrious career.Federer, who turned 45 earlier this month, is set to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 29.Roger Federer: A legend pic.twitter.com/5lhonYFooO— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2026 The Swiss great is one of 29 members of the exclusive ATP No. 1 Club and spent 310 weeks at the top of the PIF ATP Rankings. His 237 consecutive weeks as world No. 1 remain a record.The exhibition marked a nostalgic return for Federer to the US Open, where his five consecutive titles between 2004 and 2008 helped establish his enduring connection with New York and the tournament. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Five-time U.S. Open champion Roger Federer returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium to play one last match for fun against longtime rival and friend Andy Roddick

Five-time U.S. Open champion Roger Federer returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night to play one last match for fun against longtime rival and friend Andy Roddick. The event billed as “An Icon Returns to New York” packed the stands full of fans there to watch the 45-year-old from Switzerland face Roddick — soon to be 44 — in a prime time exhibition. Many wore hats with the distinctive “RF” logo that became commonplace in the sport during Federer's decade and a half of dominance featuring 20 Grand Slam titles.