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Federer Returns to Arthur Ashe for Fan Week Exhibition and Rules Out Tour Comeback

His appearance and press comments framed the visit as a ceremonial send‑off that cements his retirement while singling out Novak Djokovic as a genuine contender for a possible 25th Grand Slam.

Overview

  • Federer headlined the US Open Fan Week event at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday with a one‑set singles match against Andy Roddick followed by a legends doubles featuring John McEnroe and Andre Agassi.
  • At a pre‑match press conference Federer emphatically rejected any Serena‑style competitive return, saying he has no plans to rejoin the tour and citing practical barriers such as anti‑doping pool rules and family commitments.
  • Federer praised Novak Djokovic’s durability and said that whenever Djokovic enters a major he still has a real chance to win, a comment that draws attention to Djokovic’s bid for a 25th Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows.
  • Coverage noted the men’s draw has shifted after Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal and questions about Carlos Alcaraz’s fitness, factors that increase scrutiny of Djokovic’s prospects even as he has played sparingly this season.
  • Federer will be formally inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on August 29, and viral practice footage from his New York exhibition underscored strong fan nostalgia and public interest in his continued presence at majors.