At 45, Roger Federer announces his comeback with an exhibition match at the US Open.

NEW YORK – Roger Federer, the legendary tennis player known for his remarkable career, is set to make a highly anticipated return to Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night, marking his first appearance at the U.S. Open since 2019. Despite his illustrious history, which includes five consecutive U.S. Open titles, Federer admits to feeling nervous about stepping back onto the court. "I haven't played a singles set in, I don't know, since Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon, maybe, so it's been five years," he shared during a press conference on Monday, reflecting on his last Grand Slam match. "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 moments."

Federer’s return will consist of an exhibition match against fellow tennis star Andy Roddick, followed by a doubles match alongside John McEnroe against Roddick and Andre Agassi. While the 20-time Grand Slam champion is confident about handling these exhibition matches, he firmly ruled out any plans for a full-time return to competitive tennis. "No, no, no, no. No, not at all," he clarified when asked about competing in major tournaments again, especially at the age of 45. "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." Although Federer maintains his fitness through regular workouts, he acknowledged that he often goes long periods without playing on the court.

Federer’s absence from the U.S. Open has not diminished his popularity, as evidenced by the numerous fans who expressed their excitement upon seeing his name displayed on the big screen during his practice session. This visit to New York is particularly significant for Federer, as it precedes his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, on Saturday. The Swiss maestro never had the chance to bid farewell to New York as a player, having lost to Grigor Dimitrov in the 2019 quarterfinals without knowing it would be his final match. After undergoing knee surgeries and facing challenges in his comeback attempts, Federer reflects on his journey with a sense of closure. "The knee can't do it anymore. It's tired," he admitted, recognizing the importance of this moment to express gratitude to his fans. "It really gives me a true opportunity to say thank you and goodbye, which I think is important for some."