TENNIS: Federer to return to US Open for one-night exhibition event

Roger Federer will return to the U.S. Open this year for an exhibition match, marking his first appearance at the Grand Slam since 2019, event organizers announced on Monday.

Federer, the only player in history to win five consecutive U.S. Open titles, will headline a special event titled “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York” on August 25.

The 44-year-old retired in 2022 after a remarkable 24-year professional career. He finished his tennis journey with 20 Grand Slam titles—becoming the first man to reach that milestone—and 103 career singles titles overall. Federer officially ended his career at the Laver Cup in London, closing out one of the most celebrated eras in men’s tennis.

The exhibition will also feature several tennis legends, including Andy Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion, along with Andre Agassi and John McEnroe, both former world No. 1 players and multiple Grand Slam winners.

In a statement, Federer expressed his excitement about returning to New York.

“The US Open has always been one of the most special tournaments for me,” Federer 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’ve missed being part of that atmosphere and feeling the incredible energy that the fans bring every year.”

Federer is also scheduled to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, with the ceremony set for August in Newport, Rhode Island. -Reporting by Paras J. Haji in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Chopra/Reuters