Roger Federer has opened up on his enduring love for New York after making an emotional return to the US Open, and recalled the brutal Andre Agassi lesson that first showed him how difficult life at the top would be.
The Swiss icon was back inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night for a special exhibition event, “An Icon Returns to New York”, four years after his last appearance at Flushing Meadows and four years on from his retirement.
Federer, 45, was welcomed by a packed and adoring New York crowd as he beat old rival Andy Roddick in singles before joining forces with John McEnroe to defeat Roddick and Agassi in doubles.
But the 20-time Grand Slam champion used the occasion to reflect on the place that helped shape his glittering career.
Federer won five straight US Open titles from 2004 to 2008, matching Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors for the most men’s singles victories in the Open era.
And he revealed that those early triumphs were when the city truly became special to him.
“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.”
Roger Federer has opened up on his enduring love for New York after making an emotional return to the US Open, and recalled the brutal Andre Agassi lesson that first showed him how difficult life at the top would be
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Federer’s dominance in New York came after a far less enjoyable introduction to the tournament’s biggest stage.
The former world No 1 first played on Centre Court against Agassi in 2001, when the American was one of tennis’s established superstars and Federer was still taking his first steps towards greatness.
Agassi gave the young Swiss a harsh lesson, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.
Federer joked that the comprehensive defeat instantly made him realise the enormity of the task in front of him.
Roger Federer pictured with Andre Agassi at the US Open
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“I fell in love with this city and this court from day one,” he added.
“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.’”
The pair would later contest one of the defining matches of Federer’s US Open reign, with the Swiss defeating Agassi in the 2005 final.
Federer said sharing a court with one of his childhood heroes remained a standout part of his New York story.
“The one against Andre, I think, was extremely special: playing a legend that was coming towards the end of his career — that we had a chance to play against each other,” Federer said.
“And every player I was able to play against in the finals here also was a US Open champion.
“It’s been an incredible run. I loved it.”
Andy Roddick hailed his enduring friendship with Roger Federer after their match at the US Open
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Roddick, who won the US Open in 2003, was also full of admiration for Federer after their latest meeting.
“It comes down to Roger,” Roddick said.
“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.”
