Roger Federer and John McEnroe teamed up to play a one-set exhibition doubles match against Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi on Tuesday [1].
The event brought together four of the most influential figures in tennis history to celebrate the sport during the U.S. Open Fan Week [3]. It provided a rare opportunity for fans to see retired champions compete on a Grand Slam stage.
The match took place on the night of Aug. 25, 2026, at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City [1, 2]. While some reports suggested Federer would play multiple singles matches, the event was structured as a single set of doubles featuring the four legends [1, 3].
Federer, who holds 20 Grand Slam titles [3], returned to the court alongside McEnroe to face the pairing of Roddick and Agassi [2]. The exhibition served as a centerpiece for the Fan Week celebrations, which are designed to engage the public before the main tournament begins [2, 3].
The gathering of these specific athletes highlights different eras of the game—from the fiery competitiveness of McEnroe and Agassi to the precision of Federer and the power of Roddick. The match was a non-competitive display intended for entertainment and nostalgia [2].
Because the match was part of the official Fan Week programming, it drew significant attention to the stadium ahead of the professional draw. The event emphasized the enduring global appeal of these athletes long after their professional retirements [2, 3].
“Roger Federer and John McEnroe teamed up to play a one-set exhibition doubles match”
This exhibition demonstrates the commercial and cultural power of 'legacy' athletes in professional tennis. By scheduling high-profile retired players during Fan Week, the U.S. Open leverages nostalgia to drive ticket sales and viewership before the competitive tournament starts, bridging the gap between the sport's historical icons and the current generation of fans.
