Tennis legend Roger Federer will make a momentous comeback to Melbourne Park as the main attraction for the 2026 Australian Open’s official launch event. Tournament officials have revealed that the former Swiss champion will be the star of a “Battle of the World No.1s” exhibition match taking place the night before competition starts on January 18. The full tournament will span three weeks, beginning January 12 and concluding February 1, 2026.
This occasion represents the first-ever “opening ceremony” for the Grand Slam event and will bring Federer back to Rod Laver Arena for his first appearance since stepping away from professional tennis in 2022. The 44-year-old athlete, whose career spanned over two decades, revealed his much-awaited comeback through an Instagram selfie video that “captured widespread attention across social media.”
The ceremony will include a special tribute honoring Federer, who claimed six of his 20 Grand Slam championships in Australia. After the tribute, Federer will take the court alongside other tennis icons, such as Andre Agassi (a four-time Australian Open champion), along with Australian stars Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt for an all-star exhibition. Federer and Agassi have collectively won the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup ten times—six and four times respectively.
Looking back at his achievements, Federer expressed his deep connection to the tournament he famously called the “Happy Slam.” He remarked that Rod Laver Arena holds countless special moments for him, from the “thrill of claiming ‘Norman’ six times” to the “incredible warmth and backing from Australian supporters.” Federer’s Melbourne triumphs came in 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2010. His dramatic comeback victories in 2017 and the subsequent 2018 title defense remain among his most cherished Grand Slam achievements.