Roger Federer returns to US Open in exhibition vs Roddick, Agassi, McEnroe
Synopsis
Roger Federer is back at Arthur Ashe Stadium — not to compete for a title, but to remind the world why he defined an era. A one-night exhibition on 25 August pits him against Andy Roddick in singles, then teams him with John McEnroe against Roddick and Andre Agassi in doubles. Four champions, 20 combined Grand Slam titles, one night at Flushing Meadows.
Key Takeaways
Roger Federer will play a one-night exhibition at Arthur Ashe Stadium on 25 August during the US Open 2026 .
The event features a one-set singles clash between Federer and Andy Roddick , followed by a doubles match.
Doubles pairings: Federer and John McEnroe vs Roddick and Andre Agassi .
Federer won five consecutive US Open titles from 2004 to 2008 , a joint Open Era record with Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors .
The US Open 2026 main draw begins on 30 August .
Roger Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, is set to make a marquee return to Arthur Ashe Stadium on 25 August for a one-night exhibition event at the US Open 2026, facing off against fellow legends Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe. The US Open organisers confirmed the event, calling it a 'once-in-a-lifetime' night under the lights at Flushing Meadows.
The Format: Singles and Doubles on One Night
The evening will feature a one-set singles clash between Federer and Roddick, followed by a doubles contest that pairs Federer with four-time US Open champion John McEnroe against Roddick and two-time champion Andre Agassi. The organisers confirmed the line-up through an official statement, describing it as a reunion of some of the sport's most celebrated names.
Federer's Unmatched Record at Flushing Meadows
Federer, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, won five consecutive US Open titles from 2004 to 2008 — a run of dominance that remains unmatched in the Open Era. He shares the record of five US Open titles with Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors. His return to New York, even in an exhibition setting, is expected to draw significant attention from fans worldwide.
Roddick, McEnroe, and Agassi: The Legends Alongside Him
Andy Roddick claimed his sole US Open crown in 2003, defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final. He faced Federer eight times across Grand Slam stages without a victory, making their singles clash here a compelling callback to one of the era's defining rivalries. John McEnroe won the US Open four times — in 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1984 — and holds a 2-2 head-to-head record against doubles partner Agassi. Andre Agassi, an eight-time Major winner, lifted the US Open trophy in 1994 and 1999.
US Open 2026: Context and Schedule
The US Open 2026 gets underway on Monday with qualifying rounds and mixed doubles. The main draw is scheduled to begin on 30 August. The exhibition night on 25 August serves as a high-profile curtain-raiser, bringing together a combined 20 Grand Slam titles across the four participants. Notably, all four champions have deep personal histories with Arthur Ashe Stadium, making this a rare convergence of the sport's Open Era royalty.
Point of View
And organisers know that even a one-set exhibition carries emotional weight that no first-round match can replicate. What is worth watching is whether events like these, increasingly common across sports, dilute the gravitas of retirement or simply extend the relationship between legends and their audiences in a way fans genuinely welcome.
NationPress
24 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Roger Federer US Open 2026 exhibition?
The exhibition is scheduled for 25 August at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows, New York, ahead of the US Open 2026 main draw. It is a one-night event under the lights featuring four former US Open champions.
Who is Roger Federer playing against at the US Open exhibition?
Federer faces Andy Roddick in a one-set singles match. He then partners John McEnroe in doubles against Roddick and Andre Agassi.
How many US Open titles did Roger Federer win?
Federer won five US Open titles, all consecutively from 2004 to 2008. He shares this Open Era record with Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors.
What is Andy Roddick's US Open record?
Andy Roddick won the US Open once, in 2003, defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final. He faced Federer eight times in Grand Slam matches without a victory.
When does the US Open 2026 main draw begin?
The US Open 2026 main draw begins on 30 August. The tournament opens earlier on Monday with qualifying rounds and mixed doubles, with the legends exhibition on 25 August serving as a high-profile curtain-raiser.
