Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer got a pleasant surprise when the US Open organisers lit up New York’s Queens skyline with the crispiest and most spectacular drone show you will ever see.
Well; at least the tennis great’s RF logo was.
Federer, a five-time US Open champion and 2026 International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee had returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night for “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York” at the 2026 US Open.
The event concluded with a surprise drone show above the New York City skyline in honour of Federer’s storied career, featuring images of him lifting the US Open trophy, hitting one of his trademark picture-perfect forehands, as well as a nod to his five consecutive titles, as well as his signature "RF" logo.
One of the images shown was of Federer nonchalantly returning a ball by hitting it through his legs.
The drone show concluded with the words NY (heart symbol) RF, with the visibly touched icon himself – who was watching alongside other former payers, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe and Andy Roddick – bowing in thanks.
Earlier, fans in attendance were treated to once-in-a-lifetime exhibition event under the lights in Ashe. Federer took to the court to play alongside 2003 US Open champion and longtime rival Roddick, as well as fellow tennis legends and US Open champions Agassi and McEnroe.
Throughout the evening, in-stadium video boards played highlights of Federer’s most memorable moments.
Other nods to the Swiss icon were also a part of the celebration, including a holographic tennis ball above a taxi making appearances throughout the city.
“While always gracious and never one to demand the spotlight, the spectacle was a fitting ending to Federer's career in New York,” The US Open said in a statement.
He delighted viewers with his one-handed backhand and graceful athleticism once again, seven years after he last played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
"[There is]...a lot of happiness that I can return to Arthur Ashe, a place where I have had so many beautiful moments," Federer said in a press conference on Monday.
"It's nice to look back one more time."
Flushing Meadows is currently hosting qualifying matches for the US Open, with this year's main draw matches starting on August 28, with the last match scheduled for September 13.