Roger Federer Australian Open 2026 Opening Ceremony: Legend Returns to Steal the Show

The Maestro is back, and Melbourne couldn't be happier. On Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, Roger Federer turned the first-ever formal opening ceremony of the Australian Open into a star-studded celebration of tennis history.

Roger Federer Australian Open 2026 Opening Ceremony Highlights

Despite being retired, the 20-time Grand Slam champion looked sharp in an exhibition doubles match. Partnering with legends Andre Agassi and Ash Barty, Federer faced off against Australian icons Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt. The capacity crowd of 15,000 at Rod Laver Arena erupted as Federer closed the set with a signature leaping overhead winner.

Watching from the sidelines were two of the sport's greatest: Rod Laver himself, now 87 years old, and Novak Djokovic, who holds a record 24 major championships. Their presence underscored the gravity of this new tradition in Melbourne.

217,000 Fans and the Three-Week Festival

This year's edition isn't just a tournament; it's a massive three-week festival. Organizers reported that 217,999 fans attended the venue over the past six days for qualifying and exhibitions before the main draw even began. Federer, visiting for the first time since 2021, emphasized the importance of being grateful to earlier generations of stars.