Roger Federer Opens Up About Following Serena Williams in Tennis Comeback Ahead of US Open Return

Roger Federer is returning to the U.S. Open on Tuesday, albeit in a single-set exhibition against Andy Roddick and a set of doubles with John McEnroe against Roddick and Andre Agassi.

But don't think he's looking to make a Serena Williams-esque comeback to competitive tennis.

"No, no, no, no. No, not at all," he told reporters when asked about the possibility. "Thanks for asking. I wasn't sure if the question was going to get asked, but I'm happy you did so I can clarify in case anybody thought."

Williams, 44, made her comeback to professional tennis this summer, which included a singles appearance at Wimbledon. She lost her first-round matchup against Maya Joint, but it was nonetheless impressive to see her make a return after nearly four years off.

Federer, meanwhile, hasn't played competitive singles since the 2021 quarterfinals at Wimbledon. On Monday, he sounded more like a man nervous about a return to the court than one itching to get back to competition.

"I haven't played a singles set in, I don't know, (Hubert) Hurkacz at Wimbledon maybe, so it's been five years," he told reporters. "I don't know how it's going to go tomorrow. So there is a lot of uncertainty but a lot of happiness that I can return to Arthur Ashe, a place where I have had so many beautiful moments."

He said he was looking forward to having something of a farewell moment with the U.S. Open fans, given he last played at the tournament in 2019, well before his retirement.

"They gave me an ovation because they saw me on the big screen, but I just feel, like, tomorrow and I guess today, as well, and Monday next week, it really gives me a true opportunity to say thank you and goodbye, which I think is important for some," he noted. "It's a nice thing to do, for sure."