Roger Federer beats Andy Roddick on return, wows fans with vintage backhands

Roger Federer rolled back the years on his return to Arthur Ashe Stadium, dazzling a packed New York crowd with trademark backhand winners. Federer played Andy Roddick, and beat his longtime rival and friend in a 6-3 exhibition win.Roger Federer wows fans in exhibition match against Andy Roddick. (Reuters Photo)Roger Federer rolled back the years at Arthur Ashe Stadium as the five-time US Open champion returned to the iconic court for the first time since 2019, dazzling fans with a 6-3 win over longtime rival Andy Roddick in an exhibition match.The Swiss legend may have retired from professional tennis, but there were moments when it felt like he had still got it in him to play at the highest level. Federer produced trademark backhand winners and exquisite passing shots, leaving Roddick and a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium mesmerised as the two former rivals turned back the clock in New York.The 45-year-old needed just 35 minutes to get the better of Roddick in the one-set exhibition contest, breaking the American in the eighth game before holding his nerve to serve out the match.But the score was almost beside the point. This was about Federer being back on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the court where he created some of the most memorable chapters of his extraordinary career. The packed stands gave the Swiss a hero's welcome, with fans sporting the familiar RF logo as Federer walked back onto the world's biggest tennis stadium for the first time in seven years.And Federer gave them plenty to cheer about. He began with a backhand winner down the line in the second game, immediately showing that the shot which became one of the defining features of his game had not deserted him. Roddick responded with his trademark power on serve, but Federer continued to find ways to make the court look smaller than it really was.A particularly brilliant backhand passing shot in the sixth game brought the crowd to its feet as Federer stepped up the pressure on Roddick.Roger Federer with a GORGEOUS one handed backhand passing shot against Andy Roddick at the U.S. Open.Even at age 45, no one does it like him.pic.twitter.com/e77wCa9JDD— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 26, 2026The American, who is almost 44, fought back with the booming serves that had made him one of the most feared players of his generation. The two former US Open finalists kept the contest competitive, even if there were no ranking points or Grand Slam stakes on the line.Federer eventually found the decisive opening in the eighth game, breaking Roddick at love to move 5-3 ahead.He then had to negotiate one final scare.Serving for the match, Federer faced a break point after a loose forehand, but responded in familiar fashion. An ace erased the danger before a service winner brought up match point. Federer completed the win soon after, prompting another huge roar from the Arthur Ashe crowd.FITTING RETURN FOR FEDERERIt was a fitting return for a player who dominated the US Open for much of the 2000s.Federer won the tournament five times in a row between 2004 and 2008, building a special connection with the New York crowd. Six years after his last appearance on Arthur Ashe, he was back, this time without the pressure of chasing another Grand Slam title."It’s great to be back in New York," Federer said. "I have incredible memories, obviously, of this court, of the fans here, of the city."Roger Federer speaking after playing again at the U.S. Open"Maybe down the road someday I'll get a chance again to come to this beautiful court & play in front of you guys. It was an honor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I mean it." pic.twitter.com/cNZdcJkWsZ— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 26, 2026Roddick, meanwhile, was delighted to share the court with his longtime rival once again.The two played each other 24 times during their professional careers, with Federer winning 21 of those encounters. Four of their meetings came in Grand Slam finals, including the 2006 and 2007 US Open finals, both won by Federer.Yet their rivalry eventually grew into a friendship that has lasted long after both players walked away from professional tennis."It comes down to Roger," Roddick said when asked why he agreed to return to Arthur Ashe. "Obviously we played a bunch and he beat me a bunch, but we were always able to navigate a friendship through the middle of our careers that’s lasted till now and will hopefully last forever. It’s just about showing up when Roger asks you to."And on Tuesday night, Federer showed exactly why the invitation was worth accepting.For 35 minutes, the Swiss rolled back time, sending those familiar backhands across the Arthur Ashe court and giving a new generation of fans a glimpse of the Federer that once ruled New York.- EndsPublished By: Kingshuk KusariPublished On: Aug 26, 2026 07:44 IST