Roger Federer is poised to step back onto the courts of Flushing Meadows for a highly anticipated appearance, this time in an exhibition match that will be shown live on Sky Sports. The Swiss legend, who captured the US Open men’s singles crown five years in a row, will take the stage at Arthur Ashe Stadium, marking his first time on that surface since his loss to Grigor Dimitrov in 2019.
The 45‑year‑old champion’s journey back to New York has been anything but straightforward. A lingering knee injury forced him out of the 2020 US Open draw, and after a brief attempt at a comeback he ultimately announced his retirement in September 2022 without ever having the chance to bid a proper farewell to the city’s passionate fans. This exhibition, titled "Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York," offers exactly that opportunity, with a live broadcast scheduled for 1 a.m.
British Summer Time on Wednesday morning on Sky Sports Main Event. In a recent interview, Federer explained why the event means so much to him. "It really gives me a true opportunity to say thank you and goodbye, which I think is important for some," he said, adding that it felt "nice" to have a formal moment to express his gratitude to the New York crowd that supported him throughout his career. The program will feature a single set of singles play against former world No.
1 Andy Roddick, followed by a nostalgic doubles showdown. In that match, Federer will team up with fellow tennis great John McEnroe to take on a duo composed of Roddick and the legendary Andre Agassi.
The line‑up is designed to evoke memories of past rivalries while providing fans with a light‑hearted, entertaining spectacle. Even a seasoned champion like Federer admits to feeling a degree of anxiety ahead of the event. "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 admitted on Monday, referring to 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." The excitement surrounding the exhibition is amplified by the broader context of the US Open tournament.
While the men’s and women’s draws continue to produce thrilling matches and unexpected upsets, the event also showcases unique storylines, such as Serena Williams’ surprise partnership with Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed‑doubles competition—a pairing that has captured the imagination of tennis enthusiasts worldwide. When asked whether he might follow Williams’ example and step out of retirement for a one‑off 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," he responded, reinforcing his decision to keep his retirement final. For viewers who wish to catch the action, Sky Sports Main Event will stream the exhibition live from 1 a.m. BST on Tuesday (which corresponds to early morning in New York). Those without a traditional Sky subscription have the option to access the channel via Sky Sports’ streaming service, which offers a contract‑free viewing experience on mobile devices and computers.
The broadcast will also include commentary, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes footage that provides insight into Federer’s preparation and mindset. In addition to the live match, Sky Sports will feature a suite of ancillary tennis content throughout the US Open fortnight. Fans can stream matches, explore an A‑Z guide to tennis terminology, and watch highlight reels, interviews, and exclusive video features.
The platform recommends using the Chrome browser for optimal video playback, ensuring a smooth and accessible viewing experience for all audiences. The exhibition serves as a symbolic bookend to Federer’s extraordinary career, which boasts 20 Grand Slam singles titles, a record 310 weeks at world No. 1, and a legacy of elegance and sportsmanship that has inspired generations.
While his competitive days on the ATP Tour have concluded, this one‑off event allows him to reconnect with the sport, the fans, and the iconic venue that hosted many of his most memorable victories. As the tennis world watches, Federer’s return to Arthur Ashe Stadium is more than a nostalgic stunt; it is a heartfelt acknowledgment of the bond between a player and the city that cheered him on for nearly two decades. Whether he wins the set against Roddick, shares a laugh with McEnroe, or simply walks out onto the court to soak in the atmosphere, the moment will be etched in the collective memory of tennis lovers.
For anyone interested in witnessing this special occasion, the match will be available live on Sky Sports Main Event at 1 a.m. BST on Tuesday. If you do not already have a Sky subscription, you can sign up for a short‑term streaming package that requires no long‑term contract, allowing you to enjoy the exhibition and the broader US Open coverage with just a few clicks.