Roger Federer is poised to stage a long-awaited comeback on the courts of Flushing Meadows, featuring in a special exhibition match that will be shown live on Sky Sports. The 45‑year‑old Swiss legend, who secured five straight US Open men’s singles titles, will step onto the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time since his loss to Grigor Dimitrov in 2019.

The Swiss star’s last appearance at the US Open came in 2019; a lingering knee injury forced him out of the 2020 tournament and he never managed to return before announcing his retirement in September 2022. Because of that abrupt exit, Federer never had the chance to bid a proper farewell to the enthusiastic New York crowd that had cheered him throughout his career. Now, however, he will finally get that moment in an event titled "Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York," which will be aired live on Sky Sports Main Event at 1 am BST on Wednesday morning. The exhibition offers him a platform to express gratitude and say goodbye in a setting that holds deep personal significance.

"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." The program will include a one‑set singles showdown against former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, followed by a doubles encounter where Federer will team up with another tennis great, John McEnroe, to take on the pair of Roddick and Andre Agassi.

This blend of singles and doubles action is designed to showcase Federer’s enduring skill while also providing fans with a nostalgic spectacle of multiple legends sharing the court. Even with his legendary status, the 20‑time Grand Slam champion admitted feeling a degree of nerves ahead of the match. "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, referring to his final Grand Slam appearance. "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 comes at a time when the US Open is buzzing with other headline stories, such as Serena Williams' surprising mixed‑doubles partnership with Carlos Alcaraz, which has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. When asked whether he might follow Williams' example and un‑retire, 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 viewers eager to watch the event, Sky Sports Main Event will stream the match live, and those without a traditional Sky subscription can access the broadcast via Sky Sports' streaming service without a contract. The network recommends using the Chrome browser for the best video player experience. Beyond the exhibition itself, the US Open continues to offer a full slate of tennis action, including live scores, results, and upcoming match schedules.

Fans can also explore a comprehensive A‑Z guide to tennis terminology, watch highlights, interviews, and exclusive video content through the tournament’s digital platforms. In summary, Federer’s appearance at the exhibition provides a heartfelt closure to his New York chapter, allowing him to reconnect with the city that witnessed many of his triumphs. While the match is primarily a celebratory showcase rather than a competitive contest, it underscores the lasting impact Federer has had on the sport and offers a final, memorable moment for both the player and his devoted fans.