Roger Federer received the farewell moment he never had as a professional tennis player when the US Open’s Arthur Ashe Stadium lit up in his honour during Fan Week on Wednesday. Six years after his last appearance at the venue, the Swiss tennis legend returned for a pair of exhibition matches before being celebrated with a spectacular drone show.
Federer last played at Arthur Ashe Stadium in 2019, when he suffered a quarter-final defeat to Grigor Dimitrov. What followed was a series of injury setbacks that limited his appearances before he announced his retirement from professional tennis in 2022.
His return to New York, billed as “An Icon Returns to New York,” drew a packed crowd of fans eager to see the 20-time Grand Slam champion back on the court.
The star-studded event featured fellow tennis legends Andy Roddick, John McEnroe and Andre Agassi. Serena Williams and Felix Auger-Aliassime were also among the prominent sporting personalities in attendance.
Federer beats Roddick in singles return
Federer’s first appearance on court was particularly significant as he played a one-set singles exhibition against longtime rival Andy Roddick. It was Federer’s first singles match since his defeat to Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon in 2021.
Despite admitting that he was nervous about returning to the court, the 45-year-old quickly rediscovered his familiar rhythm. He produced a series of trademark shots, including his precise serving and celebrated backhand, to defeat Roddick 6-3.
Federer hit nine aces during the exhibition, giving the New York crowd a brief reminder of the player who dominated the US Open during his prime.
The Swiss star won five consecutive US Open titles from 2004 to 2008, making Arthur Ashe Stadium one of the defining venues of his career.
Federer and McEnroe win doubles exhibition
Federer then joined McEnroe for a one-set doubles match against Agassi and Roddick. The Federer-McEnroe pairing prevailed 7-5, adding another entertaining chapter to an evening built around tennis nostalgia and celebration.
Fans throughout the stadium wore caps featuring Federer’s iconic “RF” logo, while the atmosphere reflected the affection New York has developed for the former world No. 1 over the course of his career.
“It’s great to be back in New York,” Federer said, reflecting on his connection with the city, the court and its fans.
Spectacular drone show celebrates Federer
The biggest tribute came after the exhibition matches. Federer sat alongside Roddick, McEnroe and Agassi as organisers staged a spectacular drone display above Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The show celebrated Federer’s five US Open triumphs and served as a symbolic farewell from the New York crowd — one that the Swiss great never received after his final competitive appearance at the tournament.
Federer eventually stood to thank the packed stadium as fans rose to their feet and applauded the tennis icon.
The emotional moment marked a fitting celebration of a player whose career at the US Open had ended without the traditional farewell.
Federer set for Hall of Fame induction
Federer’s New York appearance is part of a wider return to the United States. He is scheduled to travel to Newport, Rhode Island, where he will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Although a return to competitive tennis is not on the cards, Federer is expected to remain connected to the US Open. He is set to return next week in a broadcasting role.
For one night at least, however, Arthur Ashe Stadium belonged to Federer again — and New York finally gave one of tennis’ greatest champions the farewell it had been waiting years to deliver.
