New York — The iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium was filled to capacity Tuesday night as tennis legend Roger Federer, five‑time U.S. Open champion, returned to the venue for a one‑off exhibition match against former U.S. Open winner Andy Roddick. The event, billed as “An Icon Returns to New York,” gave longtime fans a chance to see the 45‑year‑old Swiss star share the court with his longtime friend and rival, who will turn 44 later this year.
Fans arrived wearing the familiar “RF” logo that became synonymous with Federer’s 20‑Grand Slam career. The atmosphere was celebratory, with many spectators recalling the era when Federer dominated the sport for more than a decade.
Federer reflects on his New York memories
“It’s great to be back in New York,” Federer said after the match. “I have incredible memories of this court, of the fans here, of the city.” He recalled his first trip to the United States in 1998, when he played junior events and later reached the U.S. Open final. Three years later, his debut on center court ended in a straight‑sets loss to Andre Agassi, a match he described candidly: “He smashed me 6‑1, 6‑2, 6‑4. I had no shot. And I was like, ‘OK, not so easy, not fast, Roger.’ But I’ll remember this center court forever.”
Highlights from his championship run
Federer also reflected on his historic run of five consecutive U.S. Open titles from 2004 through 2008. He highlighted his 2005 victory over Agassi, noting, “Playing a legend who was nearing the end of his career was extremely special. Every opponent I faced in the finals was also a U.S. Open champion. It’s been an incredible run. I loved it.”
Roddick’s tribute
Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion, praised both the fans and his friend. “It comes down to Roger,” he said. “Obviously we played a bunch and he beat me a bunch, but we were always able to navigate a friendship through the middle of our careers that’s lasted till now and will hopefully last forever. It’s just about showing up when Roger asks you to.”
Following the singles exhibition, Federer teamed up with former world No. 1 John McEnroe for a doubles showcase, taking on Roddick and Agassi in a light‑hearted match that underscored the camaraderie among the sport’s greats.
Federer’s last competitive appearance at the U.S. Open came in 2019, and he officially retired from professional tennis in 2022. This exhibition offered a rare glimpse of the champion back on the court, reminding fans of the grace and sportsmanship that defined his career.
The event was organized by the USTA and served as a charitable fundraiser, with proceeds supporting youth tennis programs across the United States. Organizers hope the match will inspire a new generation of players to pursue the sport with the same dedication and love for competition that Federer and Roddick have shown throughout their careers.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
