Roger Federer returns to U.S. Open in New York exhibition on August 25
Synopsis
Seven years after his last competitive match at Flushing Meadows, Roger Federer is heading back to the U.S. Open — not to compete, but to remind everyone why Arthur Ashe Stadium belongs to him. With Agassi, Roddick, and McEnroe alongside him on 25 August, this is the nostalgia event of the tennis calendar.
Key Takeaways
Roger Federer will headline Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York on 25 August at the U.S.
It will be his first appearance at Flushing Meadows in seven years, since his 2021 exit at the hands of Hubert Hurkacz .
Federer is the only man to win five consecutive U.S.
Open titles , from 2004 to 2008 .
Fellow legends Andy Roddick , Andre Agassi , and John McEnroe will also participate in the exhibition.
Federer retired in 2022 at the Laver Cup in London , finishing with 20 Grand Slams and 103 tour titles .
He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2024 .
Tennis legend Roger Federer is set to make a long-awaited return to Flushing Meadows on 25 August, headlining a special exhibition event titled Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York — his first appearance at the U.S. Open in seven years. Organisers confirmed that the Swiss great will be the centrepiece of one of this year's most anticipated off-court highlights at the New York Major.
What the Event Involves
The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who retired from professional tennis in 2022 after a 24-year playing career, will be joined by a constellation of American legends. Andy Roddick, a former U.S. Open champion, Andre Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam winner, and John McEnroe, a seven-time major champion, are all confirmed participants. Together, they represent some of the most celebrated names in the sport's history.
Federer's Bond With New York
Federer holds a unique record at the U.S. Open — he is the only man to have won five consecutive men's singles titles at the tournament, a streak that ran from 2004 to 2008. Arthur Ashe Stadium has been the stage for some of the defining chapters of his career, and his return is expected to draw enormous interest from fans worldwide.
Federer spoke warmly about his connection to the tournament. 'The US Open has always been one of the most special tournaments for me,' he said. 'So many unforgettable moments of my career happened in New York, and Arthur Ashe Stadium is a place that means a great deal to me. I have missed being part of that atmosphere and feeling the incredible energy that the fans bring every year.'
Career Milestones and Recent Honours
Federer's final Grand Slam appearance came at the 2021 U.S. Open, where he was defeated by Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets. He officially retired the following year at the Laver Cup in London, having accumulated 103 tour titles in total. His return to New York follows his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2024, further cementing his status as the sport's most decorated figures.
Why This Appearance Matters
This comes amid a broader trend of tennis greats re-engaging with the Grand Slam circuit through exhibition formats, offering fans a rare opportunity to see retired champions back on iconic courts. For Federer, whose retirement was marked by an emotional farewell at the Laver Cup, the New York event represents a symbolic homecoming to a venue where his legend was arguably forged most vividly. Notably, this will be his first time on court at Flushing Meadows since his 2021 exit — a seven-year gap that has only deepened fan anticipation.
Point of View
But it is also a commercial and cultural signal — Grand Slam organisers understand that retired legends can move the needle on event interest in ways that early-round draws cannot. What is notable is the company he keeps: Agassi, Roddick, and McEnroe together represent the full arc of American tennis dominance, now assembled as a supporting cast for a Swiss. The deeper story is how thoroughly Federer redefined what the U.S. Open meant to a global, non-American audience — and why New York, of all places, still claims him as its own.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Roger Federer's U.S. Open exhibition event?
The event, titled Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York, is scheduled for 25 August at Flushing Meadows, New York, as part of the U.S. Open programme. It marks Federer's first appearance at the venue in seven years.
Who else is participating in the exhibition alongside Federer?
Former U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick, eight-time Grand Slam winner Andre Agassi, and seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe are all confirmed to join Federer at the exhibition event.
Why did Roger Federer retire from tennis?
Federer retired from professional tennis in 2022 at the Laver Cup in London, concluding a 24-year career during which he won 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 tour titles. He has not cited a single reason publicly, but persistent knee injuries in his final years were widely reported as a contributing factor.
What is Roger Federer's record at the U.S. Open?
Federer won five consecutive U.S. Open men's singles titles from 2004 to 2008, a record unmatched by any other man in the tournament's history. His last competitive appearance at Flushing Meadows was in 2021, when he lost to Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets.
Has Roger Federer received any honours since retiring?
Yes. Federer was named a recipient of the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2024, one of the sport's highest honours, recognising his extraordinary career achievements.
