On September 3, the Arthur Ashe Stadium came alive with loud cheers and ovations as Roger Federer made a celebrated return to the US Open stage. The tennis legend, who retired in 2022, attended the quarter-final clash between Aryna Sabalenka and Qinwen Zheng, marking his first visit to the iconic venue since he bid farewell to professional tennis.
Federer’s presence at the stadium, where he claimed five of his 20 Grand Slam titles, was a moment of nostalgia for fans and players alike. The Swiss maestro, known for his grace and dominance on the court, was warmly welcomed back by the crowd, who were thrilled to see him at the tournament once again. Federer was also seen having a chat with NBA star Steph Curry in the stands, adding a touch of star power to the already electric atmosphere.
Watch the video here:
“We went to Wimbledon this year and I’ll go to the Open actually tonight. So I haven’t been back at the Open since I retired. So it’s going to be also I’m sure nice to be in Ashe, you know, watching tennis from the sidelines this time. It’s the first time I would ever do that,” Federer said in an interview outside the stands.
The match that Federer attended saw Aryna Sabalenka continuing her remarkable run at the US Open. She clinched her record-equalling fourth consecutive semi-final appearance at the tournament by defeating Qinwen Zheng with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 victory. This feat makes Sabalenka the first woman since Serena Williams to reach four straight US Open semi-finals, a testament to her consistency and prowess at this prestigious event.
Sabalenka showcased immense composure and finesse throughout the match, clearly holding the upper hand over her Chinese opponent. The presence of Federer in the audience only added to the excitement, as fans at the Arthur Ashe Stadium reveled in the opportunity to see a legend of the sport alongside the current stars.
Federer’s return to the US Open stage served as a reminder of the legacy he left behind and the deep connection he has with this historic venue.
Published By:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published On:
Sep 4, 2024
