Roger Federer is set to make a much anticipated return to the US Open during the 2026 Fan Week, giving tennis fans another opportunity to see the Swiss legend compete at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The special exhibition event, titled Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York, will take place on Tuesday, August 25, at the US Open's iconic stadium.
Federer's return is particularly significant because he last competed at the US Open in 2019. He retired from professional tennis in 2022, ending a remarkable career that included 20 Grand Slam singles titles and numerous records. His appearance in New York will therefore be a rare opportunity for fans to watch one of the greatest players in tennis history back on the court.
The exhibition will feature four major names from different generations of men's tennis. Federer will be joined by longtime rival Andy Roddick, as well as former US Open champions Andre Agassi and John McEnroe. The combination has created considerable interest around the event because all four players have played major roles in the history of American tennis and the US Open.
Federer will first face Roddick in a singles exhibition match. The two players have a long competitive history, having met several times during their professional careers. Federer held a strong record against the American during their competitive years, while Roddick remained one of the biggest rivals of Federer's generation.
Following the singles contest, Federer will team up with John McEnroe for a doubles exhibition against Roddick and Andre Agassi. The unusual combination is designed as an entertainment event while also celebrating the careers of four former US Open champions.
The event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. at Arthur Ashe Stadium, according to the official US Open schedule. Fans unable to attend in person can also watch the exhibition through the announced broadcast options.
Federer's connection with the US Open is particularly strong. He is the only player, male or female, to win five consecutive US Open singles championships, achieving the feat from 2004 through 2008. Those victories established him as one of the tournament's most successful champions and helped create his lasting relationship with New York audiences.
His return also comes shortly after another major milestone in his post playing career. Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2026, further recognising his contribution to the sport and his place among tennis's greatest players.
The Swiss star has previously spoken about the special significance of the US Open and Arthur Ashe Stadium. New York played an important role in his career, particularly during his five consecutive championship runs. His return allows him to reconnect with an audience that watched many of the defining moments of his career.
The 2026 US Open Fan Week runs from August 23 to August 29 and features qualifying matches, player practices, family activities and several special events. The Federer exhibition is one of the headline attractions of the week's programme.
Fan Week has also been expanded with several other high profile tennis activities. The tournament's revised mixed doubles competition is among the major attractions, bringing together leading current players in a new format. Alongside these competitions, the Federer exhibition provides an opportunity for fans to see retired legends back on court.
For Andy Roddick, the exhibition provides another reunion with Federer, his longtime rival and the 2003 US Open champion. Roddick's history at the tournament gives the match additional significance, particularly for American fans who followed his career during the 2000s.
Andre Agassi also has a strong connection to the US Open. The American won the tournament twice and remains one of the most respected figures in the history of the event. John McEnroe, meanwhile, is a four time US Open champion and continues to remain closely involved with tennis through commentary and other activities.
The event is being presented as a celebration rather than a return to professional competition. Federer is not returning to the ATP Tour, and the exhibition does not represent a comeback to competitive professional tennis. Instead, it gives fans a chance to see him enjoy the atmosphere of Arthur Ashe Stadium once again.
Federer's return is also expected to attract international attention because of his enormous global fan base. His career achievements, playing style and sportsmanship have made him one of the most recognisable figures in world sport.
The exhibition therefore combines nostalgia, entertainment and tennis history. It brings together four champions whose careers span several generations and gives fans the rare chance to see them share the same court.
For Federer, the appearance will be his first return to the US Open venue since his last competitive appearance there in 2019. For spectators, it represents a chance to celebrate the legacy of a player who helped define an era of modern tennis.
The special night at Arthur Ashe Stadium is expected to be one of the biggest attractions of the 2026 US Open Fan Week. Although Federer will not be returning to professional competition, his presence alongside Roddick, Agassi and McEnroe ensures that the event will carry significant historical and entertainment value.