Roger Federer announced he will return to professional tennis at age 43.
“I would like to resume training a little, two to three times a week. And I hope to redo exhibitions, fill stadiums around the world. Nothing planned yet, but I miss it. I almost haven’t played since my retirement, my body and mind needed to breathe. I played a little with my children, but I would like to take it more seriously again. During my travels, I will get back to it. And maybe you’ll see me again on a court soon!”
Possible opponents for Federer’s worldwide exhibition tour include Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Juan Martin Del Potro, Andy Roddick, Tommy Haas, Lleyton Hewitt, Marat Safin, Tim Henman, and Joao Fonseca.
Carlos Alcaraz · Joao Fonseca · RF · Roger Federer
Steve · April 14, 2025 at 9:53 am
I can see wild cards for Fed/Nadal for millionaires doubles at the US Open.
Scoop Malinowski · April 14, 2025 at 10:35 am
Don’t give them any ideas )
Cory · April 14, 2025 at 1:15 pm
How realistic is it that Fed returns to the real tourneys tho…? I seriously doubt we’ll see him in a regular main draw again. Am i wrong? I mean who cares about exhibitions.
Scoop Malinowski · April 14, 2025 at 1:33 pm
Cory, My guess is Federer wants to start his own Federer Tour, barnstorming the globe with various big name opponents from the past and a few from the present. If he plays well and think he can compete in Grand Slams again, I think he will try it but that’s a longshot because the level we last saw from him was very substandard. I think the main incentives for this enterprise is more profits and adulation from his fanbase. But after Laver Cup and now this, it remains to be seen if Fedfans still want to support Roger’s business ideas.
catherine · April 15, 2025 at 10:47 am
Dear Roger
They never come back.
Scoop Malinowski · April 15, 2025 at 6:08 pm
Catherine, He’s coming back on his own terms, exo matches vs opponents he picks – Agassi, Carlos, Delpo, Hewitt, Roddick, Kei, Rafa, Murray, Monfils, etc. He wants to play in full stadiums all over the world. It’s going to happen. Because RF fans will support it.
catherine · April 16, 2025 at 12:32 am
Scoop – those exhos with old players are pointless. I wouldn’t cross the road to watch any athletes well past their best basically going through the motions. As if there aren’t more than enough good young players around.
Does Roger need money that much ?
Scoop Malinowski · April 16, 2025 at 7:56 am
Federer does not need more millions but I think he needs more worship and attention at the expense of the new young players coming up. It’s not a good look from Federer and his manager. In a sense it shows he’s not satisfied with what he accomplished.
Sam · April 21, 2025 at 5:38 am
I think you’re exactly right, Scoop—he wants more attention and admiration. 😼
Scoop Malinowski · April 21, 2025 at 7:50 am
And he’s going to get it if he can sell out stadiums like Madison Square Garden, O2 Arena, Tokyo Dome, etc. But I think there’s just too much live tennis available now for this tour idea to succeed. Back in the old Jack Kramer days, it was hard to see live pro tennis so those barnstorming tours were successful. If this Federer tour flops it will be a disappointing exclamation point to his illustrious career.