Roger Federer Gets a Hero’s Welcome as US Open Rivalry With Andy Roddick Returns

Roger Federer received a rousing welcome as he returned to the US Open and the familiar surroundings of Arthur Ashe Stadium, sharing the court with longtime rival and close friend Andy Roddick in a special exhibition that brought back memories of one of tennis’ greatest eras.

The event, titled “An Icon Returns to New York,” drew a packed crowd on Tuesday night, with fans celebrating the return of the 45-year-old Swiss great, whose dominance at the tournament helped define a generation. Many spectators wore the famous “RF” logo as Federer stepped back onto a court where he won five consecutive US Open titles from 2004 to 2008.

“It’s great to be back in New York,” Federer said, recalling his long association with the city, its fans and Arthur Ashe Stadium.

His memories stretched back to 1998, when he first arrived in New York as a junior and reached the final. Three years later, Federer made his centre-court debut against Andre Agassi, suffering a straight-sets defeat that left a lasting impression.

“He smashed me 6-1, 6-2, 6-4,” Federer recalled, describing the experience as an important early lesson.

Federer would later return stronger, defeating Agassi in the 2005 US Open final to claim the second of his five straight titles. The victory remains one of his most cherished memories because of the opportunity to face one of the sport’s greatest players on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, said Federer’s invitation was reason enough to return to the stadium. Although the Swiss star repeatedly got the better of him during their playing careers, their rivalry eventually developed into a friendship that has endured long after retirement.

After their singles exhibition, Federer joined John McEnroe for a doubles match against Roddick and Agassi, giving fans another glimpse of the personalities and rivalries that once dominated men’s tennis.

Federer, who last played at the US Open in 2019 before retiring in 2022, may have returned only for fun. But for a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, the night was also a celebration of a champion whose connection with New York remains as strong as ever.