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Roger Federer to compete in exhibition event against Andy Roddick at US Open
Roger Federer will play two exhibition matches at the US Open on Tuesday, facing Andy Roddick in a one-set singles and teaming with John McEnroe against Roddick and Andre Agassi in doubles. Federer, who last played at Flushing Meadows in 2019, says he is nervous but denies any plans to return to competitive tennis.
Roger Federer is set to play tennis at the US Open for the first time since 2019, participating in a one-night exhibition event that organizers have promoted as a special addition to this year's Fan Week. The 45-year-old will face longtime rival Andy Roddick in a one-set singles match and then team up with John McEnroe in a doubles contest against Roddick and Andre Agassi. The matches are scheduled for Tuesday night in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Federer, who announced his retirement in 2022, says the return is an opportunity to say goodbye to fans. "It really gives me a true opportunity to say thank you and goodbye," Federer said, as reported by AM New York. He also expressed excitement about the event: "Looking forward to being back in New York and adding new memories to so many special ones over the years." On social media, the US Open organizers confirmed the news with the post: "An icon is returning to New York!"
First US Open appearance since 2019
Federer's last competitive match at Flushing Meadows was in 2019, when he lost to Grigor Dimitrov in a five-set quarterfinal. He missed the 2020 and 2021 editions of the tournament due to a knee injury that also led to his retirement in 2024, with the announcement coming two weeks after the 2021 US Open. As AM New York reports, Federer said "The knee can't do it anymore. It's tired." He has not played a singles set in five years, with his last Grand Slam match being a 2021 Wimbledon quarterfinal loss to Hubert Hurkacz.
No competitive comeback
Speculation about a possible return to full-time tennis was quickly dismissed by Federer himself. When asked if he would consider playing regular tournaments again, Federer responded with a clear 'No, no, no, no. No, not at all,' according to multiple sources. He is 45 years old and says he enjoys working out but spends long stretches only rarely on court. "I'm just a fan now," Federer added. The exhibition will be followed by his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday in Newport, Rhode Island.
The format of the exhibition includes a one-set singles match against Roddick, with a tie-breaker if needed, an approach that has been described by NewsBytes as one-set. But for Federer, this is not merely a nostalgic lap of honor; it is a chance to play in front of the New York crowd again.
A career full of New York moments
Federer won five US Open titles, a joint record in the Open era that he shares his Sampras and Jimmy Connors. He won those five titles consecutively from 2004 to 2008, defeating a who's who of tennis in the finals: Lleyton Hewitt (2004), Andre Agassi (2005), Andy Roddick (2006), Novak Djokovic (2007), and Andy Murray (2008). He also reached the final in 2009 and 2015, losing to Juan Martín del Potro and Novak Djokovic, respectively.
Federer and Roddick have a long head-to-head, playing each other 24 times, including two US Open meetings. Their 2006 final is remembered as a four-set battle, one of the last big moments of the rivalry. This exhibition will be another chapter in that rivalry, albeit under a very different format.
The other legends
The exhibition features some of the most storied players in tennis history. Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003, beating Juan Carlos Ferrero. John McEnroe has won seven Grand Slams, including four US Opens, while Andre Agassi has eight Majors to his name, with two titles in New York (1994 and 1999).
The event is one of the highlights of Fan Week, which precedes the main tournament. The main draw for the 2026 US Open is scheduled to begin on August 30, with qualifying starting on August 24, according to the Lokmat Times. Among the notable draw since, as reported by the Daily Express, Carlos Alcaraz just returned from a long-term; the absence of Jannik Sinner is not expected to overshadow what will be a celebratory return.
Perspectives
Roger Federer: Federer views the exhibition as a chance to revisit the place he called "home" during his career, and he is clear that he is happy to be back. He is looking forward to the event and reconnecting with the fans who supported him.
US Open Organizers: The organizers are eager to present this as a once-in-a-lifetime event, highlighting that "An icon is returning to New York!" and bringing together four champions for a special night under the lights.
Tennis Observers (as represented in media): The dominant viewpoint among analysts is that Federer's return evokes nostalgia, but they take at face value his statement that he will not compete again, focusing instead on what could be his final chance to perform at Arthur Ashe.
How each outlet told it
AM New York
Framing: Headline emphasizes his return and a quote about looking back, focusing on nostalgia. — Nostalgic and reflective.
Facts Included:
Federer returned to Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2019.
He will play in exhibition with Agassi, Roddick, and McEnroe.
He said 'It’s nice to look back one last time'.
Details of his 2019 loss to Dimitrov in five sets.
He missed 2020 and 2021 US Opens due to knee injury.
He retired two weeks after the 2021 US Open.
He said, 'The knee can’t do it anymore. It’s tired.'
The match is on Tuesday, four days before his Hall of Fame induction on Aug. 29.
Framing: Headline contrasts his return with his denial of a pro comeback, which is a key focus. — Sympathetic and reflective, using words like 'elegant' and 'dominance'.
Facts Included:
Federer nervous about his tennis.
Playing in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night for first time since 2019.
Hasn't played a singles set in five years, last match was 2021 Wimbledon quarterfinal loss to Hurkacz.
Will play one set singles against Roddick and one set doubles with McEnroe against Roddick and Agassi.
Federer said 'No, no, no, no. No, not at all' to a comeback.
At 45, still fit and enjoys working out.
Federer will be inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday in Newport.
In 2019, he lost to Grigor Dimitrov in quarterfinals; missed 2020 and 2021 US Opens due to knee injury.
He had knee surgeries in February and May 2020, and another in August 2021.
He said 'The knee can't do it anymore. It's tired.'
Framing: Headline emphasizes Federer's return confirmation and the organizer's statement, but omits his denial of a pro comeback. — Anticipatory, using phrases like 'legendary' and 'delight the crowds'.
Facts Included:
Roger Federer will return to the US Open for two exhibition matches before the tournament.
He won at Flushing Meadows five times before retiring in 2022.
Federer will face Andy Roddick in a one-set showdown and team with John McEnroe against Roddick and Andre Agassi in a doubles match.
Federer's five titles are a joint-record in the Open Era with Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors.
Federer is 45 years old.
The US Open organizers confirmed on X, 'An icon is returning to New York!'
Federer said, 'Looking forward to being back in New York and adding new memories to so many special ones over the years.'
Jannik Sinner is not competing; Carlos Alcaraz is returning from long-term injury.
Framing: Headline: 'Roger Federer is coming back to US Open four years after retirement, set for two blockbuster matches' — emphasizes time since retirement and matches. — Celebratory and focused on the spectacle.
Facts Included:
US Open confirmed Federer's return on Sunday.
Federer will be joined by Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe.
He will play two matches: a one-set singles against Roddick and a doubles with McEnroe against Roddick and Agassi.
Federer and Roddick played a US Open final in 2006, which Federer won in four sets.
They had 24 meetings, with Federer winning both US Open matches.
Federer has five US Open titles, tied for most in the Open Era.
He won consecutively from 2004-2008.
He lost to Juan Martín del Potro in the 2009 final.
Federer reached the 2015 final, losing to Djokovic.
He said, 'Looking forward to being back in New York and adding new memories to so many special ones over the years.'
Framing: Headline: 'Roger Federer to compete in exhibition event against Andy Roddick at US Open' — factual and straightforward. — Neutral and factual.
Facts Included:
The exhibition is on Wednesday (though the article says Wednesday, it might be a discrepancy).
Federer will play against Andy Roddick in a one-set clash.
He will partner John McEnroe in a doubles against Roddick and Agassi.
Federer retired in 2022.
He won five US Open titles, a joint record.
Roddick won the 2003 US Open, beating Ferrero.
McEnroe won seven Majors, four US Opens.
Agassi won eight Majors, two in New York (1994, 1999).
The US Open 2026 kicks off with qualifying on Monday; main draw begins August 30.
Federer has a 2-2 head-to-head with Agassi (though this seems out of context).
Framing: Headline is straightforward: 'Roger Federer to return at US Open: All we know' — focuses on the return and what's known. — Informative and neutral.
Facts Included:
Federer will return at the US Open for a one-night affair across two matches.
First match is a one-set singles against Roddick, with a tie-breaker if needed.
Second match is a doubles with McEnroe against Roddick and Agassi.
Federer has won five US Open titles, a record shared with Sampras and Connors.
His last appearance was in 2019; he missed last three editions due to injury.
Federer said, 'Looking forward to being back in New York and adding new memories to so many special ones over the years.'
Roddick won the 2003 US Open by defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero.
McEnroe has won seven Grand Slams, including four US Opens; Agassi has eight Majors, winning in 1994 and 1999.
Federer won five consecutive US Open titles from 2004-2008, defeating Lleyton Hewitt (2004), Andre Agassi (2005), Andy Roddick (2006), Djokovic (2007), and Murray (2008) in the finals.
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimRoger Federer will return to the US Open for two exhibition matches before the tournament.
ClaimFederer defeated Lleyton Hewitt (2004), Andre Agassi (2005), Andy Roddick (2006), Novak Djokovic (2007), and Andy Murray (2008) in his five consecutive US Open finals.