Roger Federer has spoken openly about the final chapters of his career, offering a rare look at both what he would still consider and what he does not see in his immediate future, just before his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

The Swiss great is due to join Serena Williams, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Martina Navratilova in the Hall on August 29, almost four years after bringing his playing career to a close. Ahead of that ceremony, Federer returned to the US Open for Fan Week, taking part in a singles exhibition against former rival Andy Roddick and later appearing in doubles with John McEnroe. It marked his first visit to New York since 2019, when he lost to Grigor Dimitrov in a five-set quarter-final.

Federer was warmly received at his press conference, where he addressed both his post-retirement possibilities and the one area of his career that still carries some disappointment.

On the subject of coaching, he made clear that nothing is imminent, but he did not rule out a future role in the Laver Cup. “I guess with Laver Cup down the road maybe the captain role is definitely something I could consider, for sure,” he said.

He was much less committed when asked about coaching on the ATP Tour. “Coaching at the minute, no, just because I’m too busy, and kids need my undivided attention. Plus, I have too many projects. I love my time and my life with my wife, so I don’t want to change that at the minute, but never say never.”

Federer also explained why the road required for full-time coaching makes the idea less practical for now, while leaving the door slightly open to other media work in the future.

As for regrets, Federer pointed to missed Olympic chances after London. “Yeah, I mean, I definitely have some not regrets, but it’s a pity I couldn’t play anymore Olympics after London. London was my last one,” he said.

He added that Sydney remains the event he feels he perhaps missed most, saying it would have been meaningful to win a medal for Switzerland there. Even so, he stressed that his Olympic journey still felt complete after winning gold with Stan.

Roger Federer called Rafael Jodar’s rapid climb “incredible” while discussing the ATP players he likes to watch as the 2026 US Open approaches.

Jodar, who began the year at world No 165, is now ranked No 13 and briefly climbed as high as No 11 earlier this month. His progress has been built on a strong stretch that started with his first ATP Tour title in Marrakech, and he has since won 21 of his last 29 matches since late March.

Speaking to ESPN, Federer was asked to identify players he enjoys watching apart from Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

“I mean, I think Jodar’s rise has been pretty incredible,” said the Swiss icon.

“I wouldn’t have guessed that a few months ago, and think nobody really did. So, I think the way he is able to maintain his level is incredible.

“I like Ben [Shelton], I like watching Ben, and also [Joao] Fonseca. Big hitters, and also shot-makers. Big personalities, as well. So, they’re cool.”

Federer also said he was pleased to see Zverev win his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2026 French Open.

“I was happy for Zverev winning the French Open, also,” said the former world No 1.

“Personally, I know him since he’s a boy, and coming up on tour and stuff, so that was a nice win for him.

“So, I think — interesting US Open. I don’t know who’s going to be the big favourite this tournament, but I like that it’s a bit more open than we have seen in the past.”

On Tuesday, Federer beat Andy Roddick in a singles set at Arthur Ashe Stadium before joining John McEnroe for an exhibition doubles match against Roddick and Andre Agassi.

He is due to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island on Saturday, one day before the main draw begins at the 2026 US Open.

In a press conference at Flushing Meadows, Federer was also asked which current players he would most like to face.

“In today’s game, yeah. Well, I mean, maybe Carlos. I think he’s exciting. I never got a chance to play against him or Sinner the same,” said Federer.

“You know, we only practised together a little bit as they were coming up. So I missed that generation, unfortunately, a little bit. And there’s a bunch of those guys I just missed just because of my knee issues.

“Obviously, Novak [Djokovic] would be cool, too. I mean, he’s still going strong and he’s still hanging in there, which is cool. So I’m thinking mostly about, obviously, those guys.”

For the first time ever, more women than men make up tennis’ top-10 highest-paid players over the past 12 months, according to Forbes.

The sport’s leading earners collected a combined $333m (£245m) over the period, which is 17% higher than the $285m (£210m recorded in 2025) and only slightly below the $343m (£252.5m) total from 2020.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz remain the financial heavyweights despite both missing key Grand Slam events in 2026. Sinner is absent from the 2026 US Open, while Alcaraz was injured for the French Open and Wimbledon, yet the two still sit at the top of the earnings table.

Serena Williams, now 44 and away from the sport for nearly four years, is still in the top three thanks largely to her commercial portfolio. She is listed ahead of Novak Djokovic, with off-court income continuing to drive her position on the ranking.

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka and two-time Grand Slam winner Coco Gauff complete the top five. Gauff’s value away from the court remains especially strong.

Serena’s wider financial profile remains striking. Forbes reports her net worth at $400m (£295m), making her the world’s richest woman to have built her fortune primarily as an athlete. She has been with Nike for 23 years and also has deals with Heineken, Factor, and Ro, where she became the face of a campaign focused on GLP-1 weight loss medications.

That commercial strength helps explain why she leads all players in off-court earnings at $40m (£29.5m). Alcaraz follows on $38m (£28m), with Sinner next on $35m (£26m).

At the other end of the scale, Elena Rybakina and Alexander Zverev post more modest off-court figures of $6m (£4.4m) and $5m (£3.7m). Qinwen Zheng also stands out for endorsement income despite dropping outside the world’s top 100 after elbow surgery just over a year ago.

Naomi Osaka does not appear in the list, while Alex Eala, although highly marketable, is still some way from breaking through into this group. The 21-year-old is nearing $2m in on-court prize money this year, but remains outside the top 10 for now.