The 20-time Grand Slam champion returned to the US Open on Wednesday for a Legends exhibition match, receiving a rousing reception from a capacity crowd in New York.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Federer, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, played a singles set against former rival Andy Roddick before teaming up with John McEnroe in a doubles contest against Andre Agassi and Roddick.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking after the Legends Match, Federer opened the door to another return to the famous court.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI hope this isn\u2019t my last time on court. John McEnroe is still out there doing what he loves, and that inspires me to believe that maybe someday I\u2019ll get another chance to return to this court and play in front of all my fans,\u201d Federer told Jio Star. \u201cIt was an honour, it was special, it was amazing. A big thank you to everyone in the stadium and to all the fans who have supported me over the years. It\u2019s been incredible, and I\u2019ve enjoyed every moment,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Federer has a special connection with the US Open, having won five consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows from 2004 to 2008. His last appearance at the tournament came in 2019. The Swiss star also recalled his first experience on the Arthur Ashe Stadium centre court, when he faced Agassi in 2001 and suffered a straight-sets defeat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI believe my first time on the centre court was against Andre (Agassi). He smashed me 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. I had no shot. I was like, \u2018Okay, not so easy, not so fast, Roger, \u2019 he said with a laugh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Federer said the return was made even more special by the presence of his family and the memories he created at the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s obviously incredible to share this with my family. My wife and my parents are here too. But honestly, to have this moment here at the US Open in New York where I\u2019ve had so much success has been incredible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Swiss also pointed to the significance of the week as he prepares to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on August 29.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s obviously incredible to share this with my family. My wife and my parents are here too. But honestly, to have this moment here at the US Open in New York where I\u2019ve had so much success has been incredible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The exhibition night also featured several current and former tennis stars, while a video celebrating Federer\u2019s legacy was narrated by actor Matthew McConaughey.<\/p>\r\n\r\n