Five-time US Open champion Roger Federer returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night to play one final match for fun against his longtime rival and friend Andy Roddick. The event, billed as An Icon Returns to New York, filled the stands with fans, many wearing hats with the distinctive RF logo that became a fixture in the sport during Federer’s years of dominance.
The 45-year-old from Switzerland, who won 20 Grand Slam titles across his career, faced Roddick, soon to turn 44, in a prime time exhibition. Federer told the crowd it was great to be back in New York, adding that he had incredible memories of the court, the fans and the city.
He reminisced about first visiting in 1998 to play the junior tournament, where he reached the final. Three years later, his debut on the main center court ended in a straight-sets loss to Andre Agassi. He recalled being beaten comfortably that night and realizing the level required, but said he would remember the court forever.
In 2005 Federer defeated Agassi to claim the second of five consecutive US Open titles. He described the match against Agassi as extremely special, noting that every opponent he faced in a final in New York had themselves been a US Open champion. He called it an incredible run that he loved.
Roddick, who won the tournament in 2003, said his return came down to Federer, recalling that although the two had played many times and Federer had beaten him often, they had always maintained a friendship through the middle of their careers. Federer, who last competed at the US Open in 2019 and retired from the tour in 2022, later teamed with John McEnroe for a doubles exhibition against Roddick and Agassi.
