Roger Federer returns to Australian Open to play exhibition match in opening ceremony | ATP Tour
australian open
Federer returns to Australian Open to perform at opening ceremony
Agassi, Rafter and Hewitt to join six-time champions
December 16, 2025
Zhang Lintao/Getty Images
Roger Federer will headline the opening ceremony of the 2026 Australian Open.
Written by ATP Staff
Roger Federer will return to the Australian Open in January and play an exhibition match alongside three other ATP No. 1 club members, Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.
The first major of the season will introduce a new tradition of holding an opening ceremony the night before the main draw. The opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, January 17 at Rod Laver Arena.
“It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the term ‘Happy Slam’ for the Australian Open, and it still makes me smile when I think about all the moments I’ve spent here,” six-time Australian Open champion Federer said in a press release.
“I experienced a lot of emotions at Rod Laver Arena…the joy of lifting ‘Norman’ [the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup] The honor of playing in front of Rod Laver himself six times, the challenge of competing against my biggest rival, and the overwhelming love and support of the Australian fans.
“Returning to AO to win in 2017 is one of my most precious Grand Slam memories, and winning again in 2018 is another dream come true in Melbourne. I can’t wait to come to AO again and create more exciting moments with all Australian fans.”
Tournament Director Craig Tiley added: “I’m delighted that we are able to host this very special opening ceremony for the AO. While AO has a reputation for innovation and is known for pushing boundaries, we are also the custodians of a proud 120-year history that includes some of the sport’s greatest champions.
“The inaugural Opening Ceremony will mark the start of the new tennis season in spectacular fashion. I can’t wait to see Roger return to Rod Laver Arena alongside other great tennis players such as Andre, Pat and Leighton. I know fans across Australia will be equally excited to share this moment with him.”
The 2026 Australian Open will be held from January 18 to February 1. Italian Jannik Sinner is the two-time defending champion, while PIF ATP world number one Carlos Alcaraz will seek his first Melbourne title to achieve a career Grand Slam.
