Roger Federer’s return to tennis in Melbourne left fans with more questions than answers…
Four years after he retired, Federer defeated Casper Ruud in a tiebreaker, proving he still has what it takes to compete with the very best in men’s tennis.
Then, in a star-studded exhibition match, Federer, Andre Agassi, and Ash Barty beat Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter on Rod Laver Arena.
It’s unlikely that those wins will prompt Federer to ‘un-retire’, even if he did look fit and ready to go.
But what do tennis fans think about the 20-time Grand Slam champion potentially returning to tennis?
You can bring one tennis legend out of retirement. Who do you pick and why?
On TalkingPoints, we asked our fans which tennis legend they’d like to see come out of retirement, and the answer was clear.
Tennis fans want ‘magical’ Roger Federer to come out of retirement
Several fans named Federer as the player they’d like to see make a return to tennis.
“In a perfect world, I would have to say Roger [Federer],” said one fan.
“There’s no one like him, nor will there ever be.”
“Roger Federer, because he’s the best!” added another.
“Roger, perfect player and gentleman,” said a fan on TalkingPoints.
They weren’t the only fans in favor of a Federer comeback.
“Roger Federer for me always,” said one fan.
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“Federer, he is magical on the court and has a great rapport with his audience, but I love Rafa [Nadal] too,” said another.
“Federer would bring style back to the game,” added one fan.
“Federer was a natural- a tennis genius. A flawless diamond,” said another fan.
He isn’t the only player fans want to return, though, as some picked Australia’s Ash Barty.
“Ash Barty,” said a fan on TalkingPoints.
“She didn’t have as full or long tennis career like the others. She retired prematurely & at the peak of her game.
Ash Barty’s record in Grand Slam finals
| Grand Slam final | Opponent | Result | Score |
| 2019 French Open | Marketa Vondrousova | WIN | 6-1, 6-3 |
| 2021 Wimbledon | Karolina Pliskova | WIN | 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 |
| 2022 Australian Open | Danielle Collins | WIN | 6-3, 7-6 |
“She could have won so many more titles, but I understand she wanted to start a family.
“I wish she could travel with her family now.”
Barty retired as a three-time Grand Slam champion at 25, but didn’t seem at all interested in a return to the WTA Tour when asked during the Australian Open Opening Ceremony.
One fan took the time to assess how several different players would perform if they made a comeback.
“Federer; Looks Fit, but then again he’s not on the tour, has a secure Family Life, etc,” they said.
“But like Djokovic, he could manage a Schedule.
“Nadal, like Novak, is Younger, but the injury tally is why he retired, and would compromise a decent comeback.
“Serena [Williams], who’s never over-played, hence the longevity, would be a good candidate to return.”
While a Federer return is a long shot to say the least, there is a half-decent chance that we will see Serena Williams back on a tennis court this year…
Why does everyone think Serena Williams will return?
Williams made noise last year when she re-entered the tennis anti-doping test pool.
In doing so, she opened the door to a return to professional tennis.
Williams denied claims that she was returning, sharing the following message on X.
“OMG y’all, I’m not coming back,” she said.
“This wildfire is crazy.”
Fans, players, and pundits struggled to believe Williams, though, as there is little reason to open yourself up to regular testing if you’re not considering a return.
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Many believe Williams is planning a comeback at the 2026 US Open, where she may play doubles with her sister, Venus Williams.
One last dance with two of the greatest American tennis players of all time would be a real treat for the fans on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Only time will tell if Williams will ever make her return, but it’s certainly something to look out for.
The 2026 US Open is scheduled to begin on Sunday, August 30.
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