The return of the king. Roger Federer is the only player in the Open era to win the US Open five times in a row (from 2004 to 2008). And the least we can say is that the Swiss’ popularity is still as high as ever in New York. The Arthur-Ashe court, the largest in the world, was full for the farewell exhibition of the Basel player, who had not returned to the US Open since his elimination in the quarter-finals in 2019.
For this exhibition, Roger Federer shared the court with three American legends: Andre Agassi, John McEnroe and Andy Roddick. He also played a set against the latter, in a remake of the finals of the US Open 2006 and Wimbledon 2004, 2005 and 2009.
Under the eyes of his entire family, gathered for the occasion, Roger Federer proved that his level of play was still excellent. And that his gestures were always incredibly aesthetic, as evidenced by his superb one-handed backhand along the line released in the third game.
Roger Federer won 6-3, to the delight of the fans present, but also his own. “It’s great to be back in New York. I have incredible memories of this court, of the supporters and of this city, said the Basel resident, moved, at the end of the game. I fell in love with this court and with New York from day one.” And this, despite taking a slap in his first match at the US Open center against Andre Agassi in 2001.
Soon to be in the Hall of Fame
The Swiss was entitled to his revenge, even if he had already taken it in the final in 2005, by winning the doubles with John McEnroe against the Agassi-Roddick pair with a score of 7-5.
During this evening, Roger Federer was also entitled to the broadcast of a tribute video retracing his fantastic career, punctuated by 20 Grand Slam titles. The Basel native will be inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame on August 29.
