Roger Federer, of Switzerland, clenches his fist after wining a point against Feliciano Lopez, of Spain, during the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Sept. 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
\n\nNEW YORK (AP) — Five-time U.S. 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\n“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.”
\n\nFederer 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.
\n\n“He smashed me 6-1, 6-2, 6-4,” Federer said. “I had no shot. And I was like, ‘OK…
Original source: https://apnews.com/business