Federer Wins Exhibition Match Against Roddick in New York
Swiss Tennis Star Returns to Court with Victory
Federer Wins Against Roddick – Emotional US Open Farewell in New York
Roger Federer returned to the tennis court – for one evening at least. The 45-year-old Swiss won an exhibition match against long-time rival Andy Roddick 6:3 in a sold-out Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. Federer then also won the doubles alongside John McEnroe against Roddick and Andre Agassi with a score of 7:5.
It was an evening entirely dedicated to Roger Federer. Under the title "Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York", the five-time US Open champion returned to the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Approximately 24,000 spectators were present as the Swiss played a match for the first time since his retirement.
Federer Wins Against Roddick in 35 Minutes
In the first part of the evening, Federer faced his former rival Andy Roddick. Only one set was played. Federer prevailed 6:3 in 35 minutes.
The result had no sporting impact on the world rankings or tournament events. Nevertheless, Federer repeatedly demonstrated that his technical skills remained intact even after the end of his professional career. The audience reacted with great cheers to the Swiss star's return.
For Federer, it was also a continuation of a special rivalry. During their active careers, the two met 24 times. Federer won 21 of these encounters, Roddick three.
From Rival to Friend
Federer and Roddick were among the defining players of their generation. Roddick was particularly known for his exceptionally fast serve, while Federer became one of the most successful players in tennis history with his versatile game and one-handed backhand.
Their rivalry was particularly intense at Grand Slam tournaments. Three Wimbledon finals – 2004, 2005, and 2009 – all went to Federer.
Despite the sporting competition, a close friendship developed between the two over the years. In New York, the focus was therefore not only on the sporting rivalry but also on their shared tennis history.
Federer Also Wins in Doubles
After the singles match, the evening was not over. Federer teamed up with John McEnroe. On the other side of the net were Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi.
Federer also won this match. Federer and McEnroe won the set 7:5.
Federer remained undefeated that evening. The sporting value of the two matches, however, was secondary. The event was primarily intended as a tribute to the Swiss star and his special connection to New York.
An Evening Before Almost 24,000 Fans
Arthur Ashe Stadium was sold out for the event. Around 24,000 spectators wanted to see Federer on the court once again.
The reception was accordingly emotional. As Federer entered the largest tennis-specific stadium in the world, he was greeted with a standing ovation. Numerous well-known personalities and active tennis professionals were also in the audience.
Among others, Anna Wintour, Serena Williams, Félix Auger-Aliassime, Casper Ruud, and Alexandra Eala attended the event.
The organizers had deliberately staged the evening as a grand celebration. A video message recalled Federer's career and his five US Open titles. A drone show over the stadium was also part of the program.
A Special Relationship with New York
Federer won the US Open five times in a row between 2004 and 2008. He still holds the record for the most consecutive men's singles titles at Flushing Meadows.
His last appearance at the US Open, however, was already seven years ago. In 2019, Federer played his last tournament in New York. Injuries subsequently prevented further appearances at the Grand Slam tournament.
His return in 2026 therefore held special significance. Federer was able to thank the fans in New York and stand once again on the court where he shaped an important part of his career.
"It's Great to Be Back"
Federer was visibly moved after his appearance. He spoke of his special memories of the court, the fans, and the city of New York.
The connection to New York dates back to his first major successes. Federer won five titles here and developed a special relationship with the US audience over the years.
For the Swiss star, the event was therefore less a sporting comeback than an opportunity to bid farewell to a place that shaped an important part of his career.
No Comeback to the ATP Tour
The appearance in New York should not, however, be understood as an attempt at a comeback.
Since his retirement in 2022, Federer has announced no plans for a return to professional tennis. The Swiss star rules out a return to competitive play, stating that his body no longer allows such a step.
The exhibition was therefore a unique opportunity to see Federer on a tennis court under competitive conditions once again – without it leading to a return to the ATP Tour.
The Next Big Moment Follows on Saturday
For Federer, the next special event is already approaching this week. On Saturday, August 29, 2026, he will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport.
The induction into the Hall of Fame marks another highlight of a career defined by 20 Grand Slam titles, 103 tournament victories, and a total of 310 weeks at the top of the world rankings.
The honor also explains the timing of his return to New York. The exhibition was part of a week in which the tennis world celebrates Federer's career and legacy.
Roddick, Agassi, and McEnroe Make the Evening a Tennis Time Travel
With Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe, three other big names in tennis history were on the court.
Roddick won the US Open in 2003 and was one of Federer's most significant rivals for years. Agassi won eight Grand Slam titles in his career. McEnroe became a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and is one of the most famous figures in American tennis history.
The interaction of the four former champions made the event a journey through several tennis generations.
What Remains of Federer's Return
Sportingly, there was little at stake in New York. For the spectators, it was all about the moment.
Federer showed that he can still attract enormous attention years after his retirement. The sold-out Arthur Ashe Stadium and the enthusiastic reception underscored his enduring popularity.
Whether Federer will play further exhibitions in the future remains open. However, his return in New York shows that the Swiss star has retained a special connection to tennis and his fans even after the end of his active career.
Conclusion
Roger Federer celebrated his return to New York with two victories. In singles, he defeated Andy Roddick 6:3, and then, together with John McEnroe, he won the doubles against Roddick and Andre Agassi 7:5.
The evening at Arthur Ashe Stadium, however, was far more than an ordinary exhibition match. Before approximately 24,000 fans, Federer had the opportunity to bid farewell to an audience that had accompanied him during his most successful years.
A return to the professional tour is not associated with this event. Federer remains retired. But in New York, it was once again evident how great the fascination for the Swiss tennis star remains, even years after his last professional match.
Sources
- SRF: "Exhibition against Roddick – Federer returns victorious to New York", August 26, 2026.
- ATP Tour: "Federer is back! Swiss star returns to US Open for exhibition", August 26, 2026.
- US Open: "Roger Federer returns to US Open for Arthur Ashe Stadium exhibition", August 25, 2026.
- Reuters: "Federer playing Flushing Meadows exhibition in long overdue US Open sendoff", August 24, 2026.
