Roger Federer is heading back to Melbourne in a grand new way. The retired Swiss star will headline the “Battle of the World No. 1s” at the Australian Open’s debut Opening Ceremony in 2026, giving fans a rare chance to see him share the court with fellow former world No. 1s Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt.
Organizers confirmed that the showcase will take place inside Rod Laver Arena on Jan. 17, 2026, one night before main-draw matches begin, setting the tone for a fresh tradition at the season’s first Grand Slam.
Roger Federer To Take Part in Star-Studded ‘Battle of No. 1s’ at 2026 Australian Open Kickoff
The Australian Open is establishing the event as a new celebratory moment, designed to honor the icons who helped shape the sport and the fans who have fueled decades of unforgettable tennis. Federer’s return is particularly symbolic given his deep roots at Melbourne Park.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion lifted the Australian Open trophy six times and famously revived his career in 2017 with a title run that captivated the sports world. With the tournament positioning the Opening Ceremony as a tribute to past champions and their legacies, Federer naturally stands at the center of that narrative.
Roger Federer will headline Australian Open’s first-ever Opening Ceremony, taking place on Saturday 17 January, the night before the main draw begins.
Roger will take to the court in ‘Battle of the World No.1s’ joining Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt. pic.twitter.com/zeZNp3fro4
— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) December 11, 2025
Tournament organizers revealed that Federer will step onto the court for a star-studded exhibition featuring Agassi, a four-time champion in Melbourne, along with Aussie crowd favorites Rafter and Hewitt. Reflecting on his history at the event, Federer said in a statement that hearing the phrase he once coined still brings back warm memories.
“It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the phrase the ‘Happy Slam’ for the Australian Open, and it still makes me smile when I think about all the moments I’ve had here,” he shared.
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Federer added that Rod Laver Arena has been home to some of his most emotional highs. “I’ve experienced so many emotions on Rod Laver Arena … the joy of lifting ‘Norman’ six times, the honour of playing in front of Rod Laver himself, the challenge of competing against my biggest rivals, and always the overwhelming love and support of the Australian fans,” he said.
He also recalled the significance of his late-career resurgence. “Coming back to win the AO in 2017 is one of my most treasured Grand Slam memories, and backing it up to win in 2018 was another dream come true in Melbourne. I can’t wait to come down under again to the AO and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans.”
What Can Fans Expect from the 2026 Australian Open?
The 2026 Australian Open will be held at Melbourne Park from Jan. 18 to Feb. 1, 2026, with qualifying taking place Jan. 12-15. It will be the 114th edition of the tournament, played on GreenSet hard courts.
Jannik Sinner returns as the defending men’s singles champion, while Madison Keys enters as the defending women’s singles champion. In doubles, Harri Heliövaara/Henry Patten, Kateřina Siniaková/Taylor Townsend and Olivia Gadecki/John Peers defend their respective titles.
