The tennis star Roger Federer returned to the courts of Melbourne Park, becoming a key figure at the first official opening ceremony of the Australian Open in history, which took place during the 2026 tournament. This event marked his first appearance in Australia since 2021, sparking a wave of emotions among the audience.
During the ceremony, the 20-time Grand Slam champion participated in a demonstration doubles match, teaming up with Andre Agassi and Ashleigh Barty. Their opponents were well-known Australian tennis players Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt. Federer's performance was met with loud applause, and the audience was once again able to enjoy his elegant playing style.
The ceremony took place as part of a large-scale tennis festival that lasted several weeks and attracted 217,999 spectators in just six days, reflecting the high interest in the tournament and Federer’s enduring popularity, despite having retired in 2022.
During his visit, Federer also commented on rumors about a possible return to professional sports by way of a wildcard invitation. With a smile, he dismissed these speculations, emphasizing that his body and mental state are not ready for competition, and noted that he is enjoying life after retirement.
Throughout his career, Roger won the Australian Open six times, and he has repeatedly called the final match of 2017 against Rafael Nadal his favorite in Melbourne. The opening ceremony served as a symbolic farewell to Australian fans and a tribute to Federer’s outstanding contribution to the world of tennis.
