Tennis icon Roger Federer is playing an exhibition match at the Grand Slam in the Big Apple. The excitement is immense.
Loud cheers rang out at Arthur Ashe Stadium, thousands of fans pulled out their smartphones, and countless children scrambled for an autograph: Tennis icon Roger Federer has returned to Center Court in New York to great fanfare ahead of the start of the U.S. Open.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion held a practice session with Italian Lorenzo Musetti before teaming up with former rivals Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe for a doubles exhibition match on Tuesday.
“It really gives me a genuine opportunity to say thank you,” Federer said at a press conference on Monday. It is his first Grand Slam match in the Big Apple since 2019. In addition, the 44-year-old is set to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport this week.
Federer: No Proper Farewell in New York
Fans in New York were left without a grand farewell after Federer retired. When the Swiss lost to Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals in 2019, he still intended to continue his career. However, injury problems prevented him from competing at the 2020 and 2021 U.S. Open, before he played his final professional match at the Laver Cup in September 2022.
Federer explained that the timing was now right for a return to New York. Federer, however, once again categorically ruled out a return to the professional tour. When asked about a wild card, he repeatedly answered “No” and emphasized: “There are simply too many obstacles, and I’m too busy. Everything’s fine, and right now I’m just a fan who enjoys watching.”