Roger Federer headlines first ever Australian Open opening ceremony on return to Melbourne Park after three years – Firstpost

Roger Federer headlined the first ever opening ceremony in the history of the Australian Open on Saturday that was attended by Andre Agassi as well as Australian icons of the sport such as Ash Barty, Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter.

Among the highlights of the evening was an exhibition match in which the 20-time Grand Slam champion, who had retired from the sport in 2022, bid goodbye to Melbourne Park where he won the Australian Open six times.

Here are some of the key moments from the Australian Open 2026 Opening Ceremony:

Federer at the heart of a series of exhibition games

The Swiss tennis legend participated in a series of exhibition games in front of a packed Rod Laver Arena – which had the Australian tennis icon after whom the venue is named seated in the stands.

After a series of musical performances was followed by Federer teaming up by Andre Agassi – an eight-time Grand Slam champion who had triumphed at Melbourne Park four times – and 2022 Australian Open champion Ash Barty. At the other end – two Aussie legends Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter.

Are we surprised or are we SURPRISED that the opening point was won by Federer-Agassi? 🤭@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/hHodiRF4oe

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2026

It was fitting that Federer was the one who had won the first point and also sealed his team’s victory with an overhead winner.

Before the exhibition game, Federer also played a tie-breaker with Casper Ruud, defeating the 27-year-old Norwegian 7-2 despite having retired from the sport more than three years ago.

Reunion of two fierce rivals

Federer 🤗 Djokovic

What a great day to have eyes 🥹 pic.twitter.com/8Wf7t9IRr8

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2026

One of the highlights of the exhibition match was Federer running to the side of the court to share a hug with former rival Novak Djokovic, who’s still active at the age of 38 and will be aiming to end his two-year wait for a 25th Grand Slam at the event that he has won a record 10 times till date.

Barty’s rapturous welcome home

It was also a special evening for former cricketer-turned-tennis star Barty, who had stunned the tennis world by announcing her retirement from the sport in March 2022 at the age of 25 – just a few months before a 41-year-old Federer would call time on his career.

Here’s the reception that the three-time Grand Slam champion received from her home crowd:

OHMYBARTY 😍
The best kind of surprise EVER – Ash Barty is in the house and on the court for the Opening Ceremony! @wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/29aclyfpRM

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2026

The main draw of the Australian Open gets underway on Sunday, 18 January with Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka – defending champions in the men’s and women’s singles – squaring off against Hugo Gaston and Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah respectively.