How US Open gave Roger Federer emotional send-off - Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Andy Roddick tributes, 134mph serves and a drone show
By Leon Imber
Updated 26/08/2026 at 10:40 GMT+1
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There were joyous and emotional scenes on Arthur Ashe Stadium as retired tennis legend Roger Federer returned to the scene of his five US Open titles in a celebration of his career - and a bumper New York crowd was in attendance.
Watch: Federer beats Roddick in exhibition before emotional celebration of tennis legend
Video credit: TNT Sports
The 20-time Grand Slam champion is one of the sport's most-loved icons, and developed a particular affiliation with Flushing Meadows - where he won five successive titles from 2004-2008.
His relationship with the major was evident by the bumper attendance and raucous noise on the showcase court when he emerged from the players' tunnel to a light show and typically effusive PA introduction.
As part of Federer's send-off, he first took on former rival and US native Andy Roddick in a one-set singles exhibition showdown, with his family watching on, and none other than iconic fashion guru Anna Wintour doing the coin toss.
The Swiss superstar won the clash 6-3, but more pertinently than the scoreline, the level on display from both players, who have been retired from the sport for several years, drew shock and delight in equal measure.
Roddick, who turns 44 on Sunday and spent a large share of his career managing a chronic shoulder injury, powered down an opening serve at 134mph - sparking audible gasps among the 20,000+ crowd.
And Federer, whose one-handed backhand has become a dying art on the modern tour, wooed the crowd with some of his own spectacular shot-making, not least the crunching down-the-line backhand winner just three points later.
"That was not nice, that was tough," Federer said on court after the victory. "It’s always been such a challenge to play Andy, I’ve enjoyed the friendship over the years.
"It’s nice to share this moment on court. It’s nerve wracking, to come out at such a stadium and try to play your best tennis. I hope we did okay!"
That was the first of a two-legged Federer party in New York, as he later teamed up with John McEnroe to face Roddick and Andre Agassi in a one-set doubles match.
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The Swiss-American duo won 7-5 in another crowd-pleasing clash, and Federer was so impressed with his 67-year-old team-mate that he even suggested a return to the tour may be possible.
"The feel and touch is still there from Johnny, plus he can handle the big serves. So, hey, why not come back?" Federer said, which preceded a huge chuckle from McEnroe.
"I didn't know you were a comedian," the American replied.
On Saturday, Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.
Agassi, McEnroe and Roddick all paid tribute to the Swiss great.
Agassi said: "How cool is it that this dude is going in the Hall of Fame this year? Well done, Roger. I’m so pumped.
"I gotta say, I think I was the first person to know he was going to make the Hall of Fame. When he won his 19th Slam, I was like, ‘Yeah, he’s got this’.
"I thought the 20th was unnecessary and a little bit on the insecure side.
"Nevertheless, I’m really pumped because it makes everybody else who’s figured out how to barely get in feel a heck of a lot better about themselves."
McEnroe added: "It’s gonna be an epic weekend for tennis in general. I’m so happy that I’m going to be up there for a couple days to witness it."
Roddick said: ”We obviously played a bunch and he beat me a bunch. But we were always able to navigate a friendship through the middle of our careers and that’s lasted until now and hopefully will last forever.”
Federer was visibly emotional as he waved goodbye to the US Open crowd, following a spectacular drone show in New York which depicted Federer lifting the trophy, and 'NY loves RF' written in the sky.
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