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Federer Returns! Legend to Play Exhibition with Agassi at Australian Open 2026

Tennis icon Roger Federer is set to return to the Australian Open in 2026 for a special exhibition match during the tournament's inaugural Opening Ceremony. He will be joined by fellow former world number ones Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt. Federer expressed his deep affection for the event, recalling his six titles and the memorable 2017 and 2018 victories. Tournament director Craig Tiley heralded the ceremony as a spectacular way to honor the sport's history and launch the new season.

Key Points: Roger Federer Australian Open 2026 Exhibition Match Announced

  • Federer returns for AO 2026 exhibition
  • Features Agassi, Rafter & Hewitt
  • Celebrates 120-year tournament history
  • Opening Ceremony on Jan 17, 2026
2 min read

Roger Federer to play exhibition match during opening ceremony of Australian Open 2026

Roger Federer will play an exhibition with Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter & Lleyton Hewitt at the 2026 Australian Open Opening Ceremony.

"I can't wait to come down under again to the AO and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans. - Roger Federer"

Melbourne, January 13

Tennis legend Roger Federer will return to the Australian Open 2026, where he will be in action in an exhibition match featuring other ATP No. 1 club members - Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt, according to Olympics.com.

The Opening Ceremony will take place on Saturday, January 17, at Rod Laver Arena. The Australian Open main draw begins on January 18.

"It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the phrase the 'Happy Slam' for the Australian Open, and it still makes me smile when I think about all the moments I've had here," said Federer, a six-time Australian Open champion, in a press release.

"I've experienced so many emotions on Rod Laver Arena... The joy of lifting 'Norman' [the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup] six times, the honour of playing in front of Rod Laver himself, the challenge of competing against my biggest rivals, and always the overwhelming love and support of the Australian fans.

"Coming back to win the AO in 2017 is one of my most treasured Grand Slam memories and backing it up to win in 2018 was another dream come true in Melbourne. I can't wait to come down under again to the AO and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans."

Tournament director Craig Tiley said, "I'm thrilled we're introducing this very special AO Opening Ceremony. While the AO has a reputation for innovation and is renowned for pushing the boundaries, we are also the custodians of a proud 120-year history filled with some of the sport's greatest champions.

"This inaugural Opening Ceremony will mark the start of a new tennis season in spectacular fashion. I can't wait to see Roger back on Rod Laver Arena, along with other greats of the game, Andre, Pat and Lleyton. And I know fans across Australia will be just as excited to share this moment with him."

The 44-year-old Federer played his last Australian Open game in 2020 against his arch-rival Novak Djokovic, before retiring in 2022.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
What a lineup! Agassi, Rafter, Hewitt, and the King himself. The Australian Open always puts on a great show. It's a bit sad that we won't see him compete for real, but this is the next best thing. Hope they stream it for free somewhere!
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Vikram M
While it's great to see legends, part of me feels this is a bit of a gimmick. The focus should be on the current players starting their season. That said, who am I kidding? I'll definitely be watching. Federer's backhand is timeless.
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Priya S
Roger calling it the 'Happy Slam' is so apt! Melbourne's energy is unmatched. As someone who follows tennis religiously, this news made my day. Just imagine the atmosphere! Wish I could be there in person. 🤩
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Rohit P
Amazing for the fans, but let's be real, tickets will be impossible to get! Hope they make it a prime-time TV event in India. Star Sports, are you listening? We need proper coverage, not just highlights.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the tournament is using his star power a bit too much. It's 2026, he'll be 44. The magic will be in seeing him, not in competitive tennis. Still, as a FedFan since 2003, I'll take any chance to see him play. A true legend of the sport.

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