Roger Federer returned to the US Open on Monday night to receive his International Tennis Hall of Fame ring, just two days after being inducted into the Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. The ceremony took place inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Kim Clijsters, President of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and a 2017 inductee, presented Federer with his ring. After putting it on, Federer held up his hand to show the crowd and pumped his fist in the air as the stadium erupted in cheers, according to a report from ANI (Asian News International).
Federer’s induction came alongside former American player and broadcaster Mary Carillo. At the time of his induction, Federer had claimed 103 tour-level titles, including 20 major trophies, and had spent 310 weeks at No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings. He is one of 29 members of the ATP’s No. 1 Club, and his 237 consecutive weeks as world No. 1 remain a record. The 20-time Grand Slam champion retired from professional tennis in 2022.
“What a pleasure to be back in New York,” Federer said, as quoted by the ATP Website. He added: “The trip, playing out here last Tuesday with the legends, getting the chance to thank everybody who has always supported me here in New York has been incredible... Getting inducted into the International Hall of Fame, it gave me a chance to look back at all the incredible people that have helped me along the way, the game I love so much and what it gave me.”
On August 25, Federer had also taken part in an exhibition event at the US Open, sharing the court with fellow members of the ATP No. 1 Club. He played one set against Andy Roddick before teaming up with John McEnroe to face Roddick and Andre Agassi. The exhibition marked a nostalgic return for Federer to the major where he won five consecutive titles between 2004 and 2008, helping to establish his enduring connection with the tournament. Federer, who turned 45 last month, has said the trip has given him a chance to look back at the people who have supported him throughout his career.
The Tribune also reported on Federer’s ring presentation, noting his return to New York and his words about the Hall of Fame induction. Both accounts highlight the celebratory nature of the moment, which came less than a week after the exhibition event and months after his retirement from professional tennis.
Federer’s appearance at the US Open has drawn attention not only from fans but also from other athletes. Lindsey Vonn, the former alpine ski racer, publicly admired Federer, saying he was the athlete she aspired to be. She also described his induction ceremony as emotional, noting that the night showed what a family can do when they support each other. Her comments, carried by The Tribune, added a personal dimension to the public celebration of Federer’s career.
As Federer continues to transition into retirement, moments like these serve as reminders of his impact on the sport and on those who have followed his career. His return to the US Open has been both a professional and personal homecoming, marked by gratitude and recognition from the tennis community.