A Historic Comeback
For the first time since his retirement, tennis legend Roger Federer made a return to the prestigious Grand Slam event, the US Open, where he had previously won five consecutive titles. His presence at this year’s tournament brought excitement and nostalgia to fans worldwide.
Federer’s Memorable Evening at Arthur Ashe
On the evening of September 3rd, Federer appeared at Arthur Ashe Stadium, watching the women’s singles quarterfinal between Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen, as well as the men’s singles match between Grigor Dimitrov and Frances Tiafoe. When his image was displayed on the giant screen, the crowd erupted into applause. The Swiss maestro waved and smiled, clearly enjoying the affection and admiration from the audience.
Federer played his final official match in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon 2021 before announcing his retirement in 2022. He remains the last male player to defend a singles title at the US Open, after winning five consecutive titles from 2004 to 2008. Throughout his career, he accumulated an impressive 89 wins and only 14 losses at this iconic event, with his last appearance in 2019 ending in the quarterfinals.
Before attending the matches, Federer was a guest on NBC’s “Today” show, where he shared his thoughts on the doping controversy surrounding young star Jannik Sinner. While expressing sympathy for Sinner’s team, Federer raised questions about the consistency of doping punishments, particularly since Sinner has not been sidelined amid ongoing investigations.
“I understand many people are frustrated, believing that Sinner is being treated more favorably than others,” Federer said in the interview. “We all believe Sinner did nothing wrong, but it’s hard not to wonder why he hasn’t been sidelined until everything is 100% resolved.” Sinner tested positive for clostebol, a banned substance, during the Indian Wells Masters in March. Despite facing a provisional suspension, he successfully appealed, allowing him to continue playing, which sparked debates about fairness in the sport.
Tiafoe’s Excitement and Tribute to Federer
The atmosphere was electric, especially for American player Frances Tiafoe, who was thrilled by Federer’s presence. Tiafoe advanced to the US Open semifinals for the second time in three years after defeating Dimitrov. After the match, Tiafoe humorously commented on Federer’s impeccable style: “He won here five times in a row, and the way he’s dressed today is just like when he was playing—no sweat. His shirt is perfectly pressed, and his hair looks amazing. It’s great to see him enjoying life, showing up wherever he wants, and being the icon that he is.”
Roger Federer’s return to the US Open not only rekindled memories of his glorious past but also highlighted his ongoing influence in the world of tennis. As fans celebrate his legacy, his insightful comments on current controversies remind us of the complexities surrounding sportsmanship and fairness in competitive tennis. Federer remains a beloved figure, inspiring both current players and fans alike.
