2 min readThe US Open is here once again, and to kick off the exciting tournament, tennis legends and fan-favorite champions came together last night at New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium for a series of exhibitions matches. Serena Williams paired up with Carlos Alcaraz for mixed doubles, while Roger Federer played against an old rival, Andy Roddick, in a singles match, before pairing up with John McEnroe for a doubles match against Roddick and Andre Agassi. It was all fun and games—with an iconic lineup.
After Williams and Alcaraz’s mixed doubles run concluded in the quarterfinals against Flavio Cobolli and Belinda Bencic, Williams changed out of her purple kit and into a polished bubblegum-pink look to sit on the stands as a fan for Federer’s return. She and sister Venus are set to play women’s doubles together during the tournament, organizers said on Wednesday, so she will be back on that court. Alcaraz, meanwhile, will return for men’s singles in the coming days.
Federer concluded his historic career with 20 Grand Slam singles titles. He retired from professional tennis in September 2022, and last night, he reflected on the many memories he has of playing on the Arthur Ashe court.
“It’s great to be back in New York,” he said during his on-court interview. “It’s incredible. I have incredible memories of this court, the fans here, the city. In 2004, 2005, that’s when it all started here, my love for New York, with the victories here.”
Federer’s entire family—wife Mirka, parents Robert and Lynette, and all four of his children (his and Mirka’s two sets of teenage twins)—cheered him on from the stands throughout the match and as he was honored at the “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns To New York” exhibition match.
“Maybe down the road someday I’ll get a chance again to come to this beautiful court & play in front of you guys. It was an honor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I mean it,” Federer said.