Full Breakdown
Roger Federer Returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium for Farewell Exhibition
8/25/2026, 6:09:55 AM
Core Event: Exhibition Match at the 2026 US Open
On August 25, the 45-year-old Swiss former world No. 1 stepped onto Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows for a one-set singles exhibition against Andy Roddick, followed by a doubles set with John McEnroe against Roddick and Andre Agassi.
Background & Context: Retirement, Injuries, and a Missed Send-off
Federer’s competitive career ended after knee surgeries that began in early 2020. He withdrew from the 2020 US Open, missed the 2021 edition, and played his final Grand Slam match at Wimbledon 2021, losing in the quarter-finals. The 2019 US Open loss was his last appearance at the tournament, leaving fans without a proper farewell. In the weeks leading up to the exhibition, Federer traveled to New York for press duties and prepared for his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on August 29.
Data & Statistics: Tournament History and Exhibition Details
- Five consecutive US Open men’s singles titles (2004-2008).
- 20 Grand Slam singles titles, 103 ATP singles titles, 310 weeks ranked world No. 1.
- Exhibition format: one singles set (Federer vs. Roddick) and one doubles set (Federer/McEnroe vs. Roddick/Agassi).
- Ticket resale prices for the August 25 exhibition reached roughly US $2,000 on the secondary market.
Official Statements & Responses
He described the prospect of returning to Arthur Ashe as “nerve-wracking” and emphasized the uncertainty of his performance after a five-year hiatus from competitive singles. When asked about a possible wild-card entry or a full professional comeback, he was unequivocal: he is “too busy,” his “body is done,” and he has “no interest” in returning to the tour. Tournament officials highlighted the exhibition as a celebration of Federer’s legacy and a bridge to his Hall of Fame induction later that week.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I haven’t played a singles set in, I don’t know, (Hubert) Hurkacz at Wimbledon maybe, so it’s been five years,” — Roger Federer.
- “No, no, no, no. No, not at all,” — Roger Federer.
- “They gave me an ovation because they saw me on the big screen, but I just feel, like, tomorrow and I guess today, as well, and Monday next week, it really gives me a true opportunity to say thank you and goodbye, which I think is important for some,” — Roger Federer.
What’s Next: Hall of Fame Induction
Four days after the exhibition, Federer will be formally inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, on August 29. The ceremony, scheduled ahead of the US Open main-draw start on August 30, will celebrate his 20 Grand Slam titles and his impact on the sport. No further competitive appearances have been announced.
