The Roger Federer US Open 2026 return is officially confirmed, but this is not a comeback to professional tennis. The 20-time Grand Slam winner will return to Arthur Ashe Stadium for a special exhibition event during US Open Fan Week on August 25, 2026.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner will return to Arthur Ashe Stadium for a special exhibition event, “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York.” He is set to play on August 25, 2026, during the US Open Fan Week, bringing together multiple tennis legends for the celebration.
Federer last participated in the tournament in 2019 and officially retired from professional tennis in 2022. The return to the US Open will allow him to relive the glory days while spending quality time with the fans and enjoy the prestigious tournament that made him a tennis legend.
Is Roger Federer Making a Tennis Comeback in 2026?
No, this is the correct answer. Roger Federer is not making a comeback to the ATP Tour or competing in the 2026 US Open singles, but a special exhibition match.
Exhibition tennis is different from a regular Grand Slam tournament. In general, this type of match is held not for competition but as an entertainment and celebration of the sport and its stars.
The US Open announced the exhibition match as a one-night show that will also feature other tennis legends.
As such, it is highly unlikely that Federer will defend his titles at the US Open in the future.
When Will Roger Federer Play at the 2026 US Open?
The special Federer event is scheduled for:
- Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- Venue: Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York
- Event: Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York
- Type: Exhibition event
- Time: Around 7:30 p.m. local time according to the official US Open event listing
The official US Open says fans can watch the event through Disney+ and ESPN2, with the broadcast listed from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
Official US Open event information
Why Did Federer Choose to Return to New York?
There is a personal reason why Federer decided to return. New York belongs to the places that he loves most, as he once even mentioned on social media. In fact, the US Open is the tournament where he achieved his best results and broke the record for winning five consecutive singles titles (Federer, 2020). He did not win the tournament as early as in his first year, which can be called a huge victory because the final was against Hewitt, his longtime rival. However, then the player managed to become an absolute winner of the US Open once again. Furthermore, he explained his desire to participate one more time because he loves the major tournament and the Ashe Stadium, a famous location of the matches. According to him, the main reason was not only the victory but also how much he missed New York and its people (Federer, 2020). It is not an exhibition match, as many people thought, but a true event for players and fans. The reason for it was to invite once again in the place where the sportive career of the greatest open-era player began and where he achieved his best results.
Who Will Play With Roger Federer?
Federer will not be alone.
The exhibition will feature several legendary names from different generations of tennis.
Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, will join Federer. The two were longtime rivals during their professional careers.
Their rivalry produced several memorable matches, making Roddick a natural choice for a Federer celebration in New York.
Andre Agassi
Two-time US Open champion Andre Agassi will also take part. Agassi is one of the most popular American tennis players in history and was known for his exciting style and personality.
John McEnroe
John McEnroe, a four-time US Open champion, will complete the group of tennis legends. McEnroe is also well known to modern tennis fans for his work as a commentator.
The combination of Federer, Roddick, Agassi and McEnroe gives the event a mix of different generations of tennis stars.
Why Is the Roger Federer US Open 2026 Return Special for Tennis Fans?
Federer’s return was special for a rare reason that the fans had never seen a retired Grand Slam champion returning to play.
Federer retired in 2022 after a successful 24-year career full of victories and achievements.
During his successful sports career, he has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles and 103 career trophies.
The tennis idol gained such popularity that he became one of the most popular sports personalities of all time, helping to attract millions of new fans to the sport.
In addition, he managed to return to the sport after his retirement when the US Open announced his entry into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2026, which will happen in New York.
Federer’s US Open Record
Federer’s connection with the US Open is easy to understand when you look at his record.
He won the men’s singles championship five times:
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
His five consecutive titles remain one of the most impressive achievements in US Open history. The official tournament site confirms that Federer is the only player, male or female, to win five consecutive US Open singles championships.
Federer last competed at the US Open in 2019, seven years before his planned 2026 exhibition appearance.
Will Federer Return to Professional Tennis After the US Open?
I do not think this is a sign that Federer is returning to competitive tennis.
Ever since his retirement he has made appearances at the grand slam tournaments, but those appearances were mostly for showing up and cheering on the players or for special appearances. There were no announcements that he would be returning to the ATP tour again.
Federer has appeared at Wimbledon in the past after he retired and he appeared there again recently. This shows that he sees himself as a tennis legend and former champion and is attending Wimbledon as such.
So I think the fans should think of this appearance at the 2016 US Open as just a celebration, not a comeback.
What Can Fans Expect From Federer at the 2026 US Open?
The biggest draw is going to be seeing Federer on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The event is sure to be a mix of tennis, entertainment and nostalgia as Federer is set to share the court with Roddick, Agassi and McEnroe, while the US Open is also set to unveil a few more celebrity appearances and surprises throughout the evening.
Meanwhile for the younger generation who didn’t get to witness the peak of his game, it’s going to be a good chance to see one of the sport’s legends up close and personal.
Final Thoughts
Roger Federer returns to US Open
The event is not a pro tennis tournament, but rather a celebrity showcase to honor his career and legacy at the US Open.
After winning five consecutive US Open titles from 2004-2008 and making a beloved stop in New York City, Federer will grace the Arthur Ashe Stadium for the 25th of August, 2026.
The Swiss sensation will do it all in front of the American crowd, with Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe.
For Federer fans, it is a rare opportunity to see the Swiss legend back on the court. And for tennis as a whole, it is a celebration of one of the greatest eras and players the sport has ever seen.
