Federer hints at US Open return: 'Hope this isn't my last time on court'
Synopsis
Roger Federer stepped back onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time since retiring in 2022 — and immediately hinted he may do it again. After a Legends match alongside McEnroe against Agassi and Roddick, the five-time US Open champion said John McEnroe's continued presence on court inspires him to believe another return is possible.
Key Takeaways
Roger Federer returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday for a Legends exhibition match — his first appearance since retiring in 2022 .
He played a singles set against Andy Roddick , then partnered John McEnroe in doubles against Andre Agassi and Roddick.
Federer hinted at a future US Open return, saying he hopes it was not his last time on court.
He is set to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on 29 August , with a ring ceremony on centre court to follow.
Federer won five consecutive US Open titles from 2004 to 2008 ; his last competitive appearance at Flushing Meadows was in 2019 .
Tennis icon Roger Federer has left the door open to another appearance at the US Open, saying he hopes his emotional return to Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday was not his last. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, drew a thunderous reception from a capacity crowd at Flushing Meadows, New York during a Legends exhibition match.
What Happened on Court
Federer first played a singles set against former rival Andy Roddick, then partnered with John McEnroe in a doubles contest against Andre Agassi and Roddick. The night also featured several current and former tennis stars, and a video tribute to Federer's legacy narrated by actor Matthew McConaughey.
Federer's Words After the Match
'I hope this isn't my last time on court. John McEnroe is still out there doing what he loves, and that inspires me to believe that maybe someday I'll get another chance to return to this court and play in front of all my fans,' Federer said. He added: 'It was an honour, it was special, it was amazing. A big thank you to everyone in the stadium and to all the fans who have supported me over the years. It's been incredible, and I've enjoyed every moment.'
Federer also recalled his very first appearance on the Arthur Ashe centre court — a straight-sets loss to Agassi in 2001. 'I believe my first time on the centre court was against Andre. 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 said with a laugh.
A Special Week Personally
The occasion carries added weight for the Swiss legend: he is set to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on 29 August. Federer noted that a ring ceremony on centre court is also scheduled for the following Monday. 'Hopefully, you have not had enough of me,' he said.
His family — including his wife and parents — were present in the stands, adding a personal dimension to the celebration. 'To have this moment here at the US Open in New York where I've had so much success has been incredible,' he said.
Federer's Legacy at Flushing Meadows
Federer holds a storied record at the US Open, having won five consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows from 2004 to 2008. His last competitive appearance at the tournament was in 2019. The Legends match on Wednesday marked his first return to Arthur Ashe Stadium since his retirement — and, if his words are any guide, possibly not his last.
Point of View
Still performing at 65, is telling: Federer is not closing the door, and the US Open's organisers would be foolish not to keep it open. With a Hall of Fame induction and a ring ceremony in the same week, this is less a farewell tour and more a strategic re-engagement. The crowd's reaction suggests the appetite is mutual.
NationPress
26 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Roger Federer appear at the US Open 2024?
Federer participated in a Legends exhibition match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, playing against Andy Roddick in singles and partnering John McEnroe in doubles against Andre Agassi and Roddick. It was his first return to Flushing Meadows since retiring from professional tennis in 2022.
Did Federer say he will play at the US Open again?
Federer stopped short of confirming a future appearance but strongly hinted at one, saying he hopes it was not his last time on court. He cited John McEnroe's continued activity as an inspiration to return someday.
How many US Open titles has Roger Federer won?
Federer won five consecutive US Open titles from 2004 to 2008. His last competitive appearance at the tournament was in 2019, making Wednesday's Legends match his first return to Arthur Ashe Stadium since retiring.
When is Federer being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame?
Federer is scheduled to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on 29 August, the same week as his Legends match appearance. A ring ceremony on Arthur Ashe centre court is also planned for the following Monday.
Who narrated the video tribute to Federer at the Legends match?
Actor Matthew McConaughey narrated a video celebrating Federer's legacy during the exhibition night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
