Roger Federer Convinced Serena Williams Would’ve Snubbed Him as Mixed-Doubles Partner

Roger Federer is back at the US Open. The five-time champion in New York, Federer will compete at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday (August 25) in an exhibition event.

Federer will play singles against fellow retired former World No.1 Andy Roddick, also the winner of the 2003 US Open, who trails 3-21 in the head-to-head matchups versus the Swiss maestro. Four of these defeats came in Grand Slam finals.

Federer and his doubles partner John McEnroe will play doubles against the pair of Roddick and Andre Agassi. Is Federer thinking of returning to the tour like Serena Williams? His answer during the press conference was: “No, no, no, no. No, not at all.“

Williams, who reversed her retirement decision and made her comeback at the Queen’s Club Championships, is competing in the revamped mixed doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz. Had the format existed during Federer’s time, who would he pair up with? He certainly doesn’t think Williams would be his partner.

It would have been very cool, but I think she would have been booked up with Roddick or someone, you know. I don’t think I would have…they’re too close. So maybe, I mean, I would have been totally okay and open to that. But yeah, that’s why I didn’t mention her, because I felt like she had enough Americans to deal with, you know, before getting to me.

Roger Federer said

Williams and Alcaraz will face Lloyd Glasspool and Erin Routliffe in their opening round on August 25. It will mark Alcaraz’s first official match since the first round of the Barcelona Open, as he injured his wrist during that match.

Roger Federer on Novak Djokovic’s 25th Grand Slam chances at the US Open

Novak Djokovic will continue his hunt for his historic 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open. The Serb has already played in one Major final this year. At the Australian Open, after upsetting Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller, Nole lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Joao Fonseca ended his run in the third round of the French Open, while eventual champion Sinner beat him in the semifinals of Wimbledon.

Djokovic last won a Major at the 2023 US Open. And last year in this event, eventual champion Alcaraz beat him in the semifinals. Asked about his old rival’s chances in this US Open, Roger Federer backed him to win the tournament.

Whenever Novak enters any tournament or major, he’ll have a shot. I have very high regard for Novak. I’ve seen what he can do, not just once, not just here, but every place, at the highest level. As long as he is in the draw, there is a chance, and I think that’s one of the reasons he’s still playing because he truly must believe he can still do it, and that’s my opinion too.

Roger Federer said at the press conference

Djokovic is also competing in mixed doubles along with Aryna Sabalenka. They will start their campaign on Tuesday (August 25) against Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova.

Djokovic, who last clinched a title at the 2025 Hellenic Championship, played one warm-up tournament before the US Open. At the Cincinnati Masters, the Serb dealt with physical problems and crashed out after losing to Thiago Agustin Tirante in three sets in the opening round.

Since winning his 24th Major at the 2023 US Open, Djokovic has played three Grand Slam finals, the 2023 Wimbledon, 2024 Wimbledon, and the 2026 Australian Open, losing all to Alcaraz. Last year’s US Open runner-up Sinner won’t be playing as he is nursing a knee injury. He last played in the Wimbledon final.

Also read: Stan Wawrinka’s US Open Wild Card Snub Ahead of Retirement Sparks Wild Reactions – “Disgusting Decision”