Roger Federer
The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who retired in 2022, is set to play an exhibition match at the US Open but said his appearance in New York is purely for fun and not the start of a comeback.
“No, not at all,” Federer said at a press conference, according to Olympics.com. More importantly, he said his busy schedule and physical condition make a return unrealistic. I’m barely finding time to play any exhos [exhibition matches], so imagine a tour, and the body is done,” Federer said.
The Swiss great explained that making a comeback would require him to meet several professional obligations, including joining the anti-doping testing pool. “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. Anyway, you have to enter the doping pool. There are way too many obstacles. I’m too busy.
Federer last played at the US Open in 2019 before announcing his retirement three years later. He remains the only player, male or female, to win five consecutive US Open titles, achieving the feat from 2004 to 2008.