Roger Federer is poised to stage a long‑awaited comeback on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows, where the five‑time defending US Open men’s champion will take part in a special exhibition match that will be shown live on Sky Sports. The 45‑year‑old Swiss legend will step onto the Arthur Ashe Stadium surface for the first time since his defeat at the hands of Grigor Dimitrov in 2019, marking a poignant return to the venue that has been central to his career. The Swiss star’s last appearance at the US Open was cut short by a knee injury that forced him out of the 2020 tournament, and he never managed to compete in the event again before announcing his retirement in September 2022. Although he bowed out of professional tennis without a formal farewell on the New York stage, Federer now has the opportunity to express his gratitude to the fans who have supported him for more than two decades.

The exhibition, titled "Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York," will be aired live on Sky Sports Main Event at 1 a.m. BST on Wednesday morning.

In a recent interview, Federer explained the significance of the occasion: "It really gives me a true opportunity to say thank you and goodbye, which I think is important for some. It's a nice thing to do, for sure." He emphasized that the event offers a chance to close the New York chapter of his career on his own terms. The program will feature a single set of singles play in which Federer faces former world No.

1 Andy Roddick. Following that, the exhibition will shift to doubles, pairing Federer with tennis great John McEnroe to take on the duo of Roddick and Andre Agassi. This nostalgic line‑up is designed to celebrate the sport’s history while giving spectators a memorable showcase of skill and sportsmanship. Despite the celebratory tone, Federer admitted that the prospect of stepping back onto a competitive court brings a degree of anxiety.

"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, referencing the final Grand Slam match of his professional 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." Fans can also look forward to a broader tennis experience on Sky Sports, which includes live streaming of the US Open, comprehensive match results, and a detailed A‑Z guide to tennis terminology. The network encourages viewers to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback and offers a range of highlights, interviews, and on‑demand content. In related news, Serena Williams sparked conversation by teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz for a mixed‑doubles exhibition, prompting speculation about possible comebacks. When asked whether he might follow Williams’ example and return from retirement, 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." The exhibition match serves not only as a farewell but also as a celebration of Federer’s enduring impact on the sport.

Over his illustrious career, he amassed 20 Grand Slam titles, held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 310 weeks, and became a global ambassador for tennis. His graceful playing style, sportsmanship, and charitable work have inspired countless fans and aspiring athletes worldwide. For those without a Sky Sports subscription, the network offers flexible streaming options that require no long‑term contract, allowing viewers to watch the event on mobile devices or smart TVs.

The match promises to be a historic moment, uniting past rivals and showcasing the timeless appeal of tennis. Overall, "Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York" is more than just an exhibition; it is a heartfelt thank‑you to the New York crowd, a tribute to a career that reshaped modern tennis, and a reminder that even after retirement, legends can still create unforgettable moments on the court.