Roger Federer will return to Rod Laver Arena in January as the headline act of a star-studded exhibition to launch the 2026 Australian Open, organisers have confirmed.
The Swiss great, who retired in 2022, will be honoured during an inaugural opening ceremony on January 18, the eve of the tournament, featuring a “Battle of the World No.1s”.
Federer, a six-time Australian Open champion, will share the court with Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.
Reflecting on his bond with Melbourne, Federer said the Australian Open still made him smile, recalling the joy of lifting the Norman Brookes Trophy six times and the “overwhelming love and support” of the fans.
He described his 2017 title comeback, followed by another triumph in 2018, as among his most treasured Grand Slam memories.
Federer also won the Australian Open in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2010, cementing his legacy at a venue that hosted some of the finest moments of his glittering career.
