--- title: "Roger Federer exhibition at US Open, Flushing Meadows, New York; No pro tour comeback due to obstacles" sdDatePublished: "2026-08-25T16:12:00Z" source: "https://www.olympics.com/en/news/us-open-2026-roger-federer-rules-out-tennis-comeback-exhibition-return" topics: - name: "tennis" identifier: "medtop:20001085" - name: "sport event" identifier: "medtop:20001108" - name: "human interest" identifier: "medtop:08000000" locations: - "United States" - "Switzerland" --- Roger Federer exhibition at US Open, Flushing Meadows, New York; No pro tour comeback due to obstacles US Open 2026: Roger Federer rules out tennis comeback upon exhibition return – “There are way too many obstacles” Roger Federer rules out tennis comeback upon exhibition return at US Open: “There are way too many obstacles” The Swiss tennis star returns to Flushing Meadows for an exhibition match against fellow Olympic champion Andre Agassi, and fellow US Open winners Andy Roddick and John McEnroe. Roger Federer is back at the US Open this week. The Swiss tennis star returns to Flushing Meadows for an exhibition match on Tuesday (25 August) against fellow Olympic champion Andre Agassi , and fellow US Open winners Andy Roddick and John McEnroe. Having last competed at the US Open in 2019 before retiring in 2022, it will be a welcome return to New York for the 45-year-old. But he assured that it is nothing more than a friendly appearance at Arthur Ashe Stadium. “No, not at all,” Federer said in a press conference when asked about a return to the professional game. “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. “Anyway, you have to enter the doping pool. There are way too many obstacles. I'm too busy. “I'm barely finding time to play any exhos [exhibition matches], so imagine a tour, and the body is done. “But I'm very happy with how I'm feeling. I’m just a fan now, enjoying watching.” Exclusive: How Leylah Annie Fernandez learnt to accept herself, five years on from teenage run to US Open final Roger Federer at age 19 In 2001 tennis legend Roger Federer was yet to reach the world's top ten or win a Grand Slam, but the Swiss star was making a big impact. Roger Federer: “I love seeing one-handed backhanders do well” Federer won an historic five consecutive US Open titles from 2003 to 2008, a Grand Slam men’s singles record in the Open Era. It puts the Swiss as the joint-most successful man in the singles Open Era, alongside Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors. Famous for his one-handed backhand, it is becoming an increasingly rare technique in the modern game. Federer practised with the highest-ranked men’s player who continues that trend, Olympic bronze medallist Lorenzo Musetti , at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. “I love seeing one-handers do well,” said Federer. “I was doing an interview this morning and it reminded me that my coaches when I was growing up were 90 per cent one-handers. “When your coach is a one-handed tennis player, you’ll most likely be a one-handed tennis player too. “Nowadays, probably the coaches are mostly double-handed players, and it’s easier to teach a kid to have two hands on the backhand side. “One of my kids, he's switching from a double-handed to a one-hander. I see how hard it is for him to hit and control it. “You get control, but it takes time, and nowadays, we don't have time. Everything has to happen immediately.” The US Open main draw begins on 30 August and runs until 13 September, with the mixed doubles champion and singles qualifying events underway this week. Test your tennis knowledge with our US Open quiz! 30 August - 13 September Tennis | US Open | New York | United States