Roger Federer made a triumphant return to the US Open court with a pair of exhibition victories in front of an adoring Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd in New York on Tuesday.
The event, billed as "An Icon Returns to New York", packed the stands with fans eager to watch the 45-year-old Swiss star face Andy Roddick, who is soon to turn 44, in a prime-time exhibition.
Federer defeated Roddick in an opening singles match before teaming up with John McEnroe to win a doubles exhibition against Roddick and Andre Agassi.
Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, returned to the court at the US Open for the first time since 2019.
The Swiss legend won five consecutive US Open men's singles titles between 2004 and 2008, tying Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors for the most in the Open era.
"It's great to be back in New York," Federer said. "It's incredible.
"I have incredible memories of this court, the fans here and the city. In 2004 and 2005, that's when it all started here, my love for New York, with the victories here."
He added: "I fell in love with this city and this court from day one.
"I believe my first time on Centre Court was against Andre [Agassi] in 2001. He smashed me 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. I had no shot. I was like, 'Okay, not so easy, not so fast, Roger.'"
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