Roger Federer returns to the US Open for an exhibition match at the famous Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he won five titles. "There is a lot of joy in being able to return to where I have lived so many wonderful moments," said the man with 20 Grand Slam titles, who will join other tennis greats for a doubles match: Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe. A dream quartet ahead of the start of the US Open on Sunday, offering Federer "a real opportunity to say thank you and goodbye."
In 2019, he lost in the quarterfinals against Grigor Dimitrov. He was due to return subsequently, but injuries prevented him from doing so in 2020 and 2021, before his retirement at the Laver Cup in 2022. "The kids are growing up, so they'll be able to enjoy their dad's matches a little," commented the Swiss champion about his four children, two sets of twins aged 12 and 17.
His fondest memory at the US Open? "I think it's simply having managed to win five consecutive titles," from 2004 to 2008. "It's the last Grand Slam of the season, everyone wants to win it at all costs, everyone knows how to play on hard courts, and with the humidity, the wind and all those differences from one year to the next, it's very difficult. So, looking back, it's incredible."
When asked about a possible return to professional competition: "No, no, no, absolutely not — is the categorical response —. Thank you for the question. I was wondering if they would ask me, but I'm glad to be able to make it clear in case anyone still had any doubts."
