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Federer Returns to Australian Open for 2026 Exhibition Match

Roger Federer has returned to Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena for a practice session with Casper Ruud, his first time on the court since 2020. The retired legend will play a special exhibition match during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Australian Open, a tournament where he won six of his 20 Grand Slam titles. Federer expressed his deep affection for the event, recalling his 2017 and 2018 victories as treasured memories. Tournament director Craig Tiley highlighted the ceremony as a spectacular way to kick off the new season, celebrating the event's 120-year history.

Key Points: Roger Federer Practices for Australian Open 2026 Comeback

  • Federer's first Rod Laver Arena practice since 2020
  • Will play exhibition at 2026 AO opening
  • Six-time Australian Open champion
  • Event marks start of new tennis season
3 min read

Roger Federer practices with Casper Ruud ahead of exhibition match at Australian Open 2026

Roger Federer returns to Rod Laver Arena for an exhibition match at the 2026 Australian Open, practicing with Casper Ruud ahead of the special ceremony.

"It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the phrase the 'Happy Slam'... - Roger Federer"

Melbourne, January 16

Swiss legend Roger Federer returned to Rod Laver Arena on Friday for the first time since 2020 for a practice session with Casper Ruud, according to ATP.

The Swiss legend, who announced his retirement from professional tennis in 2022, will be back in action to play an exhibition match during the opening ceremony of the Australian Open 2026. He faced Rudd only once in his career.

The 44-year-old Federer clinched six of his 20 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open tournament. The great Tennis player has a 102-15 win-loss record at the event, according to the ATP Infosys Win/Loss Index. Federer last competed in Melbourne in 2020, when he lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

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, according to ATP.

"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 they are also the custodians of a proud 120-year history.

"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," he said, according to ATP.

"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," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Such grace and longevity. At 44, he's still inspiring millions. As an Indian tennis fan who grew up watching him and Sania Mirza, this news makes me so happy. Hope he visits India for an exhibition someday!
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Rohit P
Respectfully, while it's great to see Federer, I wish the article gave a bit more context on Ruud. He's a top player too! The focus is always on the Big 3, but the next generation deserves its spotlight.
S
Sarah B
The 'Happy Slam' indeed! His love for the Australian Open is so genuine. That 102-15 record is insane. Makes me nostalgic for the days of Federer vs. Nadal finals.
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Vikram M
️ 2026 feels so far away! But for Federer, I'll wait. His sportsmanship and elegance made tennis what it is today. A true global icon, much like Sachin is for cricket.
K
Karthik V
Interesting to see him practice with Ruud. Passing the torch moment, perhaps? Hope Indian players like Sumit Nagal get chances to hit with legends like him too. It boosts confidence massively.

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