Former tennis player Roger Federer – winner of 20 Grand Slam titles and 5 US Open titles, member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame since 2026 and world legend – will return to the court of the US Open Tennis this year to participate in a unique exhibition event: “Roger Federer: an icon returns to New York”.
The event will take place on the night of Tuesday, August 25 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens County, NY, according to a statement from the US Tennis Association (USTA).
The last time Federer competed at the US Open was in 2019, after having captivated New York by becoming the only tennis player – man or woman – to win 5 consecutive singles titles in this tournament (2004-2008).
This year he will return to Arthur Ashe Stadium to play an exhibition match alongside 2003 US Open champion and former rival Andy Roddick, as well as other tennis icons and tournament champions such as Andre Agassi and John McEnroe.
The evening, which will begin at 7 pm ET on August 25, will also feature the presence of other celebrities and iconic surprises to the delight of fans.
An icon is returning to New York! ⭐️
Federer will be joined by 2003 US Open champion and longtime rival Andy Roddick, as well as fellow tennis legends and US Open champions Andre Agassi and John McEnroe. pic.twitter.com/ecpeo0AY39
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 23, 2026
“The US Open has always been one of the most special tournaments for me,” Federer stated. “I lived unforgettable moments of my career in New York and Arthur Ashe Stadium is a place that means a lot to me.”
«I have missed being part of that environment and feeling the incredible energy that the fans bring every year. Returning to the Arthur Ashe and sharing the evening with Andy, Andre and John makes the occasion even more meaningful. “I’m looking forward to celebrating those memories, meeting the fans again and enjoying a very special night together.”
For his part, Brian Vahaly, Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Interim Co-CEO of the USTA, stated, “It goes without saying that Roger Federer is one of the greatest champions to ever step foot on a tennis court, and his legacy at the US Open will endure for generations.”
“We are delighted to welcome him back for this unique and special event, which will give fans the opportunity to celebrate Roger’s legacy and thank him for everything he has meant to our sport,” he emphasised.
It should be reported that tickets for this great event “Roger Federer – An Icon Returns to New York” are on sale through Ticketmaster and USOpen.org.
Fans will be able to follow the event on Disney+ and ESPN2, from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Eastern Time).
“Fan Week” is back
Roger Federer’s presence in Queens is the highlight of the USTA’s annual “Fan Week”, a week of activities that takes place from August 23 to 29.
It offers free access to the venue for tennis fans, who can enjoy family activities, player training, the US Open qualifying tournament and the “Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day” on Sunday, August 23.
Kids’ Day, the largest grassroots tennis event in the world that celebrates the legacy of former tennis player Arthur Ashe, will feature various activities for all ages and the traditional show at the stadium located in Flushing Park. Fans can get free entry to the week’s events using the “Fan Access Pass” (in https://www.usopen.org/en_US/fan-week/fan-access-pass.html).
Likewise, the US Open mixed doubles championship, which will feature some of the best players on the circuit, will also be held during “Fan Week”; tickets are now on sale. The mixed doubles tournament begins with the qualification phase on August 24, followed by the opening rounds on August 25. The semi-finals and final of mixed doubles will be played on August 26.
On August 27 at 6 pm ET, the USTA will host the “Stars of the Open” event at Arthur Ashe Stadium, an exhibition that will feature some of the most notable young talents in tennis. This year, talented Americans Iva Jovic and Learner Tien will participate, along with Brazilian Joao Fonseca — a quarterfinalist at Roland Garros this year — and Filipino Alexandra Eala, the highest-ranked player from the Philippines in WTA history.
Tickets for “Stars of the Open” are available starting at $30; A portion of the proceeds will go to the USTA Foundation, the USTA’s national charity.
This foundation supports the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network, a group of more than 270 organizations nationwide that use tennis to help youth from underserved communities succeed in life.
To see the full schedule of US Open Fan Week events and purchase tickets, click https://www.usopen.org/en_US/fan-week/schedule-of-events.html .
It should be noted that the main tournament of the US Open 2026 will begin on Sunday, August 30, with the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz and the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka as defenders of the men’s and women’s titles, respectively.
