Roger Federer is poised to step back onto the courts of Flushing Meadows for a highly anticipated exhibition match, which will be shown live on Sky Sports. The five‑time defending champion of the US Open men’s singles will appear in this special event, marking his first time on the Arthur Ashe Stadium surface since his loss to Grigor Dimitrov in 2019. The 45‑year‑old Swiss legend had to withdraw from the 2020 US Open after a knee injury forced him out of the draw, and he never managed to compete at the Grand Slam again before announcing his retirement in September 2022.
Because his competitive career ended without a proper farewell in New York, many fans felt the goodbye was incomplete. This exhibition, titled "Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York," gives him the platform to finally thank the city and its supporters. The match will be aired on Sky Sports Main Event beginning at 1 a.m.
BST on Wednesday morning, offering viewers a chance to watch the former world No. 1 walk out onto the iconic Arthur Ashe court for the first time in five years. "It really gives me a true opportunity to say thank you and goodbye, which I think is important for some," Federer explained. "It’s a nice thing to do, for sure." During the exhibition, Federer will first play a single set of singles against former U.S.
No. 1 Andy Roddick.
After that, he will team up with tennis great John McEnroe for a doubles showdown against the duo of Roddick and Andre Agassi. The format is designed to be light‑hearted and nostalgic, allowing the retired champion to showcase his elegance on the court without the pressure of a full tournament. Even though the event is meant to be a celebration, Federer admitted he feels a degree of nerves.
"It’s nerve‑wracking. I haven’t played a singles set in, I don’t know, since Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon in 2021 maybe, so it’s been five years," he said on Monday, recalling the final Grand Slam match of his career. "I don’t know how it’s going to go tomorrow.
There is a lot of uncertainty but a lot of happiness that I can return to Arthur Ashe, a place where I have had so many beautiful memories." The exhibition arrives at a time when tennis fans are also buzzing about other surprise pairings at the tournament. Serena Williams, now 44, recently announced a mixed‑doubles partnership with rising star Carlos Alcaraz, creating a media frenzy. When asked whether he might follow Williams’ example and come out of retirement for a special appearance, Federer was unequivocal: "No, not at all. Thanks for asking.
I wasn’t sure if the question was going to get asked, but I’m happy you did so I can clarify in case anybody thought." For those who want to follow the broader US Open action, Sky Sports also offers live streaming of the main event, along with a suite of tennis coverage that includes scores, results, upcoming matches, and a comprehensive A‑Z guide to tennis terminology. Viewers are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the best video player experience. Beyond the exhibition match itself, the broadcast will feature highlights, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes footage that capture the emotion of Federer’s return.
The Swiss maestro’s career spanned 20 Grand Slam titles, countless records, and a reputation for grace both on and off the court. While his competitive days are behind him, moments like this exhibition allow him to reconnect with the sport’s community and remind fans why he is regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. If you don’t already have a Sky Sports subscription, the network offers a no‑contract streaming option that can be accessed on mobile devices, making it easy for international viewers to tune in. The exhibition is scheduled for 1 a.m.
BST on Tuesday (which corresponds to the early morning hours of the US Open weekend in New York), so fans worldwide can plan accordingly. In summary, Roger Federer’s appearance at the US Open exhibition is more than a simple exhibition; it is a heartfelt farewell, a celebration of a storied career, and a chance for tennis lovers to witness a living legend back on the court one last time. The event promises nostalgia, high‑quality tennis, and a poignant reminder of the moments that made Federer an icon of the sport.