Federer hit the courts with several Stanford students over the weekend

Tennis legend Roger Federer was spotted on Stanford's tennis courts this weekend ahead of the Laver Cup, which kicks off with a practice day Thursday at Chase Center. Videos of the 20-time Grand Slam men's singles winner flooded social media over the weekend, featuring Federer playing pickup singles and doubles at Stanford on the team's recently renovated indoor courts. Federer also took several photos with Stanford's men's and women's teams.

Federer is no stranger to the Stanford tennis scene. Federer showed up to a match in the spring of 2024 to watch the Stanford tennis team and specifically his agent Tony Godsick's son Nico, who is now a junior with the Cardinal. During that visit, which coincided with the official announcement of the Laver Cup coming to San Francisco, Federer was in street clothes but hopped onto the court for a quick demonstration, all while reportedly still wearing a leather jacket.

This time, the 44-year-old was prepared for a full workout, one that some in the area clearly knew was happening. One of the videos, shot by Menlo College tennis player Robinson Pelluault, shows Federer playing in a doubles match with a variety of people on the courts.

At a Laver Cup media event on Monday, CEO Steve Zacks told reporters Federer was the "brainchild" behind the event (alongside his agent Godsick), which pits the top men's players from Europe against the top players from the rest of the world. Following Thursday's practice day, Laver Cup competition lasts from Friday through Sunday.

Federer retired after the 2022 Laver Cup and won't be getting back on the court this weekend. According to Zacks, Federer will be at Chase Center all throughout the weekend festivities and is set to make an appearance at a live recording of the "Served with Andy Roddick" podcast during the weekend.

Tennis legend Roger Federer played pickup tennis at Stanford ahead of Laver Cup