Federer to headline US Open exhibition ahead of Hall of Fame induction
The Swiss legend returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium days before his enshrinement in Newport, marking his first appearance at the tournament since 2019.
Roger Federer is set to return to the US Open for an exhibition event titled “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York,” the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) announced on Monday. The appearance is scheduled for 25 August at Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking place during the week preceding the start of singles play in the tournament.
The event will feature a lineup of tennis legends alongside Federer, including Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, and Andre Agassi. Roddick won the US Open singles title in 2003, the year before Federer began his five-year winning streak at the tournament. Federer went on to win the title consecutively from 2004 to 2008, a record that stands as the only instance of a player winning the US Open five times in a row.
This exhibition marks Federer’s return to the New York venue where he last competed in 2019. In a statement regarding the announcement, Federer noted the significance of the location, citing the “unforgettable moments” of his career that occurred at Arthur Ashe Stadium and the “incredible energy” provided by the fans.
The US Open appearance serves as a precursor to Federer’s formal induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is scheduled for 29 August in Newport, Rhode Island, just days after the exhibition event concludes.
The USTA indicated that the current lineup is not finalised and that further announcements regarding the event’s participants are pending. Federer’s participation in this exhibition is distinct from the main tournament draw, which he has not entered since his competitive run in 2019.
The event highlights Federer’s broader legacy, which includes 20 Grand Slam singles titles. His return to New York for this exhibition underscores the ongoing institutional recognition of his contributions to the sport, bridging his competitive history with his upcoming status as a Hall of Fame inductee.
