Federer Returns to US Open for Exhibition, Rules Out Comeback
Theo Al Jazeera English
Roger Federer will play an exhibition match at the US Open, marking his first appearance at Arthur Ashe Stadium since 2019. However, the 45-year-old dismissed any possibility of returning to competitive tennis like Venus or Serena Williams.
Roger Federer admitted to feeling nervous as he returns to the court at the US Open for the first time in nearly five years. The five-time consecutive US Open champion will play an exhibition match on Tuesday evening (local time) at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but confirmed he has no plans to return to professional competition.
“I haven’t played a single set since losing to Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon in 2021. It’s been five years. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but there’s so much happiness in returning to Arthur Ashe, where I have many great memories,” Federer said in a press conference on August 24.
Federer will play a single set in the exhibition against Andy Roddick, and a doubles set with John McEnroe facing Roddick and Andre Agassi. Despite being 45 and no longer competing regularly, the Swiss star appeared relaxed during his return to New York, where he dominated from 2004 to 2008.
Asked about the possibility of returning to competitive play like Venus or Serena Williams, Federer was emphatic: “No, no, no, absolutely not. Thank you for the question. I’m not sure if that was going to be asked, but I’m happy to answer to clarify everything.”
His prolonged absence from the US Open has not diminished Federer’s appeal. Many fans still chanted his name and applauded when his image appeared on the big screen during his practice session on August 24. This trip to New York is a stop before Federer heads to Newport, Rhode Island, for his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Federer never got the chance to say an official goodbye to New York as a competitive player. His loss to Grigor Dimitrov in the 2019 US Open quarterfinals turned out to be his final match at the tournament, though no one knew it at the time. That year, he reached the semifinals at Roland Garros and the final at Wimbledon, losing to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, respectively.
In early 2020, after a semifinal exit at the Australian Open, Federer underwent two knee surgeries. He returned at Roland Garros 2021 but withdrew before the fourth round. After losing to Hurkacz—where he dropped the third set 0-6—Federer had another knee operation in August 2021 and realized there would be no more comebacks.
“The knee couldn’t take it anymore. It was tired. And my mind couldn’t be patient for a few more years to see what would happen,” Federer recalled.
Though Tuesday’s match is not a real contest, Federer values the opportunity. “They gave me a big ovation when they saw me on the big screen a few years ago. But I feel tomorrow, and today too, and next Monday, is truly a chance for me to say thank you and goodbye. That’s important for some people.”
