NEW YORK -- Five-time US Open champion Roger Federer returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night to play one last match for fun against longtime rival and friend Andy Roddick.
The event billed as "An Icon Returns to New York" packed the stands full of fans there to watch the 45-year-old from Switzerland face Roddick -- soon to be 44 -- in a prime time exhibition. Many wore hats with the distinctive "RF" logo that became commonplace in the sport during Federer's decade and a half of dominance featuring 20 Grand Slam titles.
"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 reacts after playing a shot in an exhibition match against longtime rival and friend Andy Roddick on Tuesday at the US Open. Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images Federer reminisced about visiting for the first time to play juniors in 1998 and reaching the final. Three years later, his debut on center court was a straight-sets loss to Andre Agassi.
"He smashed me 6-1, 6-2, 6-4," Federer said. "I had no shot. And I was like, 'OK, not so easy, not fast, Roger.' But, still, I'll remember this center court forever."
In 2005, Federer defeated Agassi to win the US Open for the first time of five in a row through '09.