Roger Federer will return to Flushing Meadows for an exhibition match on August 25, 2026, offering a long-awaited farewell at the US Open venue before the tournament’s main draw begins on August 30 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The event is titled "US Open: Roger Federer - An Icon Returns to NY" and will be held at Arthur Ashe Stadium [1, 2, 3].

Federer, 45, has not played a competitive singles match at the US Open since 2019, when he lost in the quarter-finals without receiving a proper farewell from the tournament or fans [1, 2, 3, 4]. He did not compete in the 2020 US Open and played his final Grand Slam singles event at Wimbledon in 2021 before retiring from competitive singles play [1, 2, 3, 4].

The Swiss star said the exhibition gives him "a true opportunity to say thank you, goodbye, which is I think important for some. For me it is, and it's a nice thing to do" [1]. Federer admitted being nervous about the match, stating, "It's nerve-wracking, to be honest. I haven't played a single set in - I don't know - maybe five years. Don't know how it's going to go tomorrow. There's a lot of uncertainty, but a lot of happiness that I can return" [1].

Federer confirmed emphatically that he will not return to singles competition at the US Open, citing his age and physical condition. He said, "No, no, no, no, no, no. I've got just way too many obstacles and I'm too busy - I'm barely finding time to play any exos. The body is done" [1]. He repeated in another comment, "No, no, no, no. 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" [4].

Federer will share the court with fellow retired greats Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe for the exhibition [1, 2, 3]. Earlier the same day, Serena Williams, recently un-retired at age 44, will play mixed doubles at Arthur Ashe Stadium alongside Carlos Alcaraz [1, 2, 3].

Federer is due to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on August 29, four days after his exhibition match [3, 4]. Tickets for Federer's exhibition have been in high demand, with resale prices surpassing $2,000 USD as of August 24 [1, 2, 3].

The US Open men's and women's singles main draws start on August 30, marking the official beginning of the 2026 tournament following Federer's farewell event [3].