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| © norinchi_df / X / Fair Use |
Roger Federer built one of the greatest records in US Open history during his dominant years in New York.
The Swiss legend won the title five years in a row between 2004 and 2008, becoming the only player, man or woman, to win five consecutive US Open singles crowns.
His final title in that run also remains an important mark in the men's game. Federer is still the last man to successfully defend the US Open title, having beaten Andy Murray in the 2008 final. Since then, several great champions have lifted the trophy at Flushing Meadows, but nobody has managed to win it in back-to-back years.
Federer finished his career with five US Open titles, putting him level with Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors for the most men's singles crowns in the Open Era. Now, years after his final competitive appearance in New York, the 20-time Grand Slam champion is preparing to return to Arthur Ashe Stadium.
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| Roger Federer. © TheTennisLetter / X / Fair Use |
Federer looking forward to his New York return
Federer will be back on court at the US Open on August 25 for a special exhibition event. The 45-year-old will be joined by three other former US Open champions and big names from tennis history: Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe.
It will be Federer's first appearance on court at the tournament since 2019. Seven years ago, the Swiss reached the quarterfinals before losing to Grigor Dimitrov in five sets.
Ahead of his return, Federer shared his excitement with his followers on social media and made it clear that New York still means a lot to him.
“Looking forward to being back in New York and adding new memories to so many special ones over the years.
See you soon NYC,” Federer wrote on Instagram
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| Roger Federer. © Instagram Roger Federer / Fair use |
There are certainly many memories for Federer at Flushing Meadows. His first title came in 2004, when he defeated Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets in the final. That victory also saw him become the first man since Jimmy Connors in 1974 to win the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open in the same season.
Federer returned a year later and successfully defended his title, before doing the same in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, Murray was his opponent in the final, but Federer won in straight sets to complete a remarkable run of five consecutive titles.
He came very close to making it six in 2009. Federer reached another final and led Juan Martin del Potro by two sets to one, before the Argentine fought back to win in five sets.
That defeat ended Federer's winning run in New York, although he remained a regular contender for many more years. He reached the final again in 2015, losing to Novak Djokovic, and made his final US Open appearance four years later.
A very open men's US Open awaits
Federer's exhibition will be one of the big attractions during Fan Week, but attention will soon move to the current generation when the main singles draw begins on August 30.
This year's men's tournament looks more open than many expected. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew from the event on Friday because of a right knee injury. The Italian had won Wimbledon this summer and was expected to be one of the biggest favorites in New York.
His absence gives Carlos Alcaraz an even bigger opportunity. The Spaniard is the defending champion after beating Sinner in last year's final, and he confirmed this week that he will return at the the final Grand Slam of the season following a right wrist injury.
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| Roger Federer, Wimbledo 2019© Stream screenshot |
However, there is still some uncertainty around Alcaraz because he has not played a competitive match since April. He has already won the Australian Open this season and owns two New York major titles, so he will still be the man many expect to beat if his body holds up
Alexander Zverev should also be confident after winning Roland Garros this year. The German has previously reached the the final Grand Slam of the season, losing to Dominic Thiem in 2020, and Sinner's withdrawal removes one of the biggest obstacles in his path.
Novak Djokovic cannot be ignored either. The 39-year-old is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles title and already has four US Open trophies. With Sinner out and questions over Alcaraz's condition, New York may give the Serbian another big chance.
Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz will carry much of the American hope. Shelton won Montreal this summer, while Fritz was the US O*en runner-up in 2024.
The main draw begins on August 30, and with one of the biggest favorites already missing, this year's battle for the title could be far less predictable than usual.
- Sead Dedovic
