Roger Federer will return to Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows on August 25, 2026, to play an exhibition match titled "US Open: Roger Federer - An Icon Returns to NY" as a farewell to New York fans after a long absence [1, 2, 3]. Federer has not played singles tennis since his 2019 US Open quarter-final loss and has not competed in any singles sets for nearly five years [1, 2, 3, 4].
The event will feature Federer alongside retired tennis stars Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe [1, 2, 3, 5]. Federer declined a wildcard entry to the US Open main singles draw and ruled out any competitive comeback, saying, "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. The body is done" [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
At approximately 44 or 45 years old, Federer described feeling nervous about the match, adding, "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" [2]. He said the exhibition is "a true opportunity to say thank you, goodbye, which is I think important for some" [1]. Federer also mentioned, "The kids are getting older, so they can also maybe enjoy a little bit seeing their dad play" [5].
Tickets for the event have been highly sought after, reselling for upwards of $2,000 USD as of August 24, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Earlier on the same day, newly un-retired Serena Williams is scheduled to play mixed doubles with Carlos Alcaraz [1, 2, 3].
Federer holds 20 Grand Slam singles titles and won five consecutive US Open titles during his career [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. His last professional match was at the Laver Cup in September 2022 [5].
Following the exhibition, Federer is due to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on August 29, 2026 [3, 4, 5]. The main draw for the 2026 US Open men's and women's singles begins on August 30, 2026 [3].
