Roger Federer rolls back the years: Defeats Andy Roddick in US Open exhibition return before teaming with John McEnroe

Roger Federer was the showcase on Tuesday on an epic day of action at the US Open as not only were fans treated to the mixed doubles which featured Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz among the leading attractions, but also the return of the 45-year-old Swiss star to face off against Andy Roddick.

Roddick himself who is about to turn 44 showing how big of a deal both are in front of a packed crowd on Arthur Ashe. Federer in the prime-time exhibition defeated Roddick in an opening singles match before then teaming up with John McEnroe to win a doubles exhibition against Roddick and Agassi.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion in his own right returned to the court at the US Open for the first time since 2019 in the process. He won five consecutive US Open men's singles titles between 2004 and 2008. This in the process ties 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."

"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.'"

Federer has often showed no sort of want to return to the tennis court, but seemingly is very much still up for exhibitions. He has played not as much as some but on an up and down basis since he retired from the sport due to injury.

But as he reiterated also this week, he very much does not have the desire anymore to try and do it more often and train to play tennis whether exhibitions or not and he has often in this case managed to keep a fairly low profile and has only really appeared when sponsorships and other such occasions appear. But as an adored part of the tennis fraternity perhaps it might make him think about playing a bit more often.