The King is Back: Roger Federer Returns to the US Open for a Historic Night in New York
Roger Federer at the 2017 US Open. Photo by Shinya Suzuki (Creative Commons license)
NEW YORK — Tennis fans around the world are celebrating a massive announcement. Roger Federer, one of the greatest tennis players in history, is coming back to New York City. The 20-time Grand Slam champion will step back onto the famous courts of the US Open this summer.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced that Federer will star in a special, one-night-only exhibition event called “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York.” The event will take place on the evening of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, starting at 7:00 PM.
This historic night will happen during US Open Fan Week, just days before the main tournament begins. For fans who have missed seeing the Swiss maestro glide across the tennis court, this is a dream come true. It will be Federer’s first time playing at the US Open since 2019, making it a highly anticipated moment for the sport.
A Summer of Celebration for Federer
The year 2026 is shaping up to be an incredibly important year for Roger Federer’s legacy. Shortly before he arrives in New York, he will receive one of the ultimate honors in sports: induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Federer officially retired from professional tennis in September 2022 at the Laver Cup. His retirement left a huge void in the tennis world. While he has attended a few tournaments as a spectator since then, he has rarely picked up a racket for a public performance. This exhibition event marks a rare and precious opportunity for sports fans to see him play live once again.
Brian Vahaly, the USTA’s chairman of the board, president, and interim co-CEO, expressed the excitement of the entire tennis community.
“It goes without saying that Roger Federer is one of the greatest champions to ever step onto a tennis court, and his legacy at the US Open will carry on for generations. We’re thrilled to welcome him back for this unique and special event, giving fans an opportunity to celebrate Roger’s legacy and thank him for all he has meant to our sport.”
A Night of Legends: The Star-Studded Lineup
Federer will not be alone on the signature blue-and-green courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium. The USTA has put together an extraordinary group of tennis legends to join him. This lineup includes some of Federer’s greatest past rivals and the most famous champions in US Open history.
The Special Guests Joining Federer:
- Andy Roddick: The 2003 US Open champion and a former World No. 1. Roddick was Federer’s longtime rival, famously playing against him in several Grand Slam finals, including their epic 2009 Wimbledon final.
- Andre Agassi: A two-time US Open champion and an eight-time Grand Slam winner. Agassi is known worldwide not just for his incredible tennis career, but also for his extensive charity work and philanthropy.
- John McEnroe: A four-time US Open singles champion and a true legend of New York tennis. Today, McEnroe is famous for his passionate work as a television commentator.
In addition to these four titans of the sport, the USTA has promised further celebrity appearances and “iconic surprises” to delight the crowd throughout the night.
Remembering Federer’s New York Empire
To understand why this return is so meaningful, one must look back at Federer’s history in New York. Between 2004 and 2008, Federer did something that no other player in the modern era has ever achieved. He won five consecutive US Open singles titles.
| Year | Opponent in the Final | Score |
| 2004 | Lleyton Hewitt | 6–0, 7–6(7–3), 6–0 |
| 2005 | Andre Agassi | 6–3, 2–6, 7–6(7–1), 6–1 |
| 2006 | Andy Roddick | 6–2, 4–6, 7–5, 6–1 |
| 2007 | Novak Djokovic | 7–6(7–4), 7–6(7–2), 6–4 |
| 2008 | Andy Murray | 6–2, 7–5, 6–2 |
No man or woman has ever repeated this five-in-a-row feat at Flushing Meadows. By stepping onto the court with Agassi and Roddick—men he actually defeated in those classic finals—the event will serve as a beautiful time machine for long-time tennis enthusiasts.
In Federer’s Own Words
For Federer, returning to New York is deeply emotional. The city and its fans have always held a permanent place in his heart.
“The US Open has always been one of the most special tournaments for me,” Federer said in an official statement. “So many unforgettable moments of my career happened in New York, and Arthur Ashe Stadium is a place that means a great deal to me. I’ve missed being part of that atmosphere and feeling the incredible energy that the fans bring every year.”
He added that sharing the night with his fellow champions makes the occasion even better. “To return to Arthur Ashe and share the evening with Andy, Andre and John makes it even more meaningful. I’m looking forward to celebrating those memories, seeing the fans again, and enjoying a very special night together.”
Ticket Information for Fans
Because this is a “one night only” event, tickets are expected to sell out incredibly fast. Fans who want to witness this historic return need to act quickly.
- Public Sale Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Public Sale Time: 9:00 AM Eastern Time (ET)
- Where to Buy: Tickets can be purchased online through Ticketmaster and the official US Open website, USOpen.org.
The event provides an affordable way for families and sports fans to experience the magic of Arthur Ashe Stadium under the lights during Fan Week. It is a golden chance to say a proper “thank you” to a player who defined tennis for over two decades.
Whether you remember his modern battles against Roddick or his classic matches against the older generation, Tuesday, August 25, will be a night to remember. Roger Federer is coming home to New York, and the tennis world is ready to welcome its king.