NEW YORK : Roger Federer will make a long-awaited return to Flushing Meadows on Tuesday for an exhibition match, giving the Swiss great a chance to bid farewell to U.S. Open fans after an abbreviated final appearance at the tournament.
Federer’s last U.S. Open match came in 2019, when he lost in the quarter-finals, with many expecting the five-times champion to return to New York. Instead, he missed the tournament in 2020 and played his final Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2021.
The 44-year-old said the exhibition would provide an opportunity to properly thank fans at the tournament where his five consecutive men’s singles titles remain an Open Era record.
“It really gives me a true opportunity to say thank you, goodbye, which I think is important for some,” Federer said. “For me it is, and it’s a nice thing to do.”
The event, titled “US Open: Roger Federer – An Icon Returns to NY”, was attracting resale prices of more than $2,000 on Ticketmaster on Monday.
Federer admitted he was unsure what to expect after a lengthy absence from competitive tennis.
“It’s nerve-wracking, to be honest. I haven’t played a single set in – I don’t know – maybe five years. Don’t know how it’s going to go tomorrow,” he told reporters.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty, but a lot of happiness that I can return.”
Federer will share the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium with fellow retired greats Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe.
The event comes on the same day that Serena Williams is due to make her own return to the U.S. Open, partnering Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles.
Federer, who is one year older than Williams, ruled out any prospect of following her back into the singles draw.
Asked whether he would consider accepting a wild card, he replied: “No, no, no, no, no, no.”
“I’ve got just way too many obstacles and I’m too busy – I’m barely finding time to play any exos,” Federer said. “The body is done.”
The 20-times Grand Slam champion is also due to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.
The U.S. Open men’s and women’s singles main draws begin on Sunday.
