Roger Federer wins US Open credential game, Maria Sharapova returns to Ashe

Former champions Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova held court once again at the US Open, as they both made their stylish returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of championship weekend.

The last Grand Slam of the year is no stranger to having famous fans in the stands—drawing in everyone from pop culture entertainers, to music and sports icons and more. Of course, the legends of our own sport have been gracing the stadium, too.

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Six-time champion Serena Williams recently had her first taste of the tournament’s signature Honey Deuce cocktail, and this week Federer and Sharapova each went viral for different reasons after their visits.

Federer, who won the US Open five times in a row between 2004 and 2008, and Sharapova, who lifted her second Grand Slam trophy here in 2006, have both enjoyed a packed schedule of activities with sponsors and partners throughout the New York City fortnight. But the former world No. 1s also made time for the hike to Flushing Meadows to watch the action.

Posting on Instagram that he’s “here for a New York minute,” Federer shared snaps of a busy trip which included promotional shoots and a large slice of pizza. The 20-time major champion also recently spoke on a US morning show, where he discussed a range of topics including his post-tennis life and the controversial ruling on Jannik Sinner’s doping case.

“I understand the frustration of, ‘has he been treated the same as others?’ And I think this is where it comes down to,” Federer said of Sinner on the Today Show.

“The inconsistency, potentially, that he didn’t have to sit out while they were not 100% sure what was going on... I think that’s the question here that needs to be answered.”

Read More: Rafael Nadal backs Jannik Sinner, as Roger Federer highlights what "needs to be answered" in doping case

While his comments made headlines, on social media the buzz was all about his US Open credential—which seemed to have gotten an update since the Swiss officially hung up his racquets in 2022.

We’re not sure which part is more iconic: The fact that he’s specifically listed as a five-time champion—only Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras have won as many titles here—or the fact that his headshot appears to be a red carpet snap at this year’s Academy Awards.

Sharapova, meanwhile, passed by the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to take part in US Open’s Champions of Equality event—which honored producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes and also featured Robin Roberts and King herself.

The five-time Grand Slam winner quickly became a meme when cameras on Ashe captured her afterward relaxing in a stadium suite. Judging by her expression, Sharapova was very distressed by whatever she was witnessing watching the women’s semifinals.

“I look like I just missed a second serve return on break point and saw my coach’s reaction,” Sharapova joked on X, platform formerly known as Twitter, with a few laughing emojis.