Roger Federer is poised to step back onto the hard courts of Flushing Meadows for a highly anticipated exhibition appearance, this time streamed live on Sky Sports. The five‑time defending champion of the US Open men’s singles will take to Arthur Ashe Stadium in a special showcase that marks his first on‑court appearance since his loss to Grigor Dimitrov in 2019. The 45‑year‑old Swiss legend was forced to miss the 2020 US Open after a knee injury curtailed his season, and he never returned to the tournament before announcing his retirement in September 2022. Although he bowed out of professional competition without a formal farewell on the New York stage, Federer now has the opportunity to address the crowd that has supported him for more than two decades.
The event, 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 brief statement, Federer expressed how meaningful the occasion is for him: "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 hopes the exhibition will serve both as a thank‑you to fans and a proper closing chapter to his storied career.
The program’s schedule includes a single set of singles play against former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, followed by a doubles showdown in which Federer will partner with John McEnroe. The duo will take on Roddick and Andre Agassi, creating a nostalgic lineup of tennis greats for the audience.
While the match is friendly in nature, Federer admitted to feeling 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, referencing the final Grand Slam match of his career.
He added, "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 sentiment underscores the emotional weight of returning to a venue where he captured three US Open titles and delivered some of his most memorable performances. Beyond the exhibition itself, the broadcast will feature a range of ancillary content for tennis enthusiasts.
Viewers can stream the US Open and other tournaments via the NOW platform, explore an A‑Z guide to tennis terminology, and watch highlights, interviews, and video clips that capture the sport’s excitement. The producers recommend using the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience. The exhibition arrives at a time when the tournament is buzzing with other surprising storylines. Notably, Serena Williams, at 44, teamed up with rising star Carlos Alcaraz for a mixed‑doubles appearance that has generated considerable media attention.
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." Fans who cannot access Sky Sports through a traditional subscription have the option to sign up for Sky Sports or use a contract‑free streaming service, ensuring that the historic moment can be viewed by a global audience.
The exhibition not only offers a nostalgic glimpse of Federer’s graceful play but also serves as a symbolic farewell to the New York fans who have cheered him on for years. In summary, Roger Federer’s return to Arthur Ashe Stadium for an exhibition match represents a unique blend of sport, sentiment, and spectacle.
It gives the tennis world a chance to celebrate his achievements, witness a rare on‑court encounter with other legends, and share in a heartfelt goodbye. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a casual observer, the event promises to be a memorable chapter in the annals of tennis history.