Australian Open has announced its first-ever Opening Ceremony, to be held on Saturday, 17 January 2026, the night before the main draw begins. Leading the celebrations will be none other than tennis legend Roger Federer, who returns to Melbourne Park for the first time since retiring in 2022.
The event marks a bold new tradition for the year’s first Grand Slam- one designed not only to welcome the global tennis season but also to honor the legends who shaped the sport and the fans who propelled it forward.
Roger Federer Returns to Rod Laver Arena
Federer, a six-time Australian Open champion and 20-time Grand Slam winner, will headline a special exhibition match titled the “Battle of the World No. 1s.” He will be joined by fellow former world No. 1s Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt for what promises to be a nostalgic and star-studded night on Rod Laver Arena.
The Swiss icon’s return carries emotional weight, as he never received a true on-court farewell in Melbourne before his retirement. Federer acknowledged how deeply intertwined his legacy is with the event.
“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,” Federer said.
“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.”
Federer’s victories in Melbourne spanned 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, and his memorable late-career renaissance with back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. His 2017 triumph, after returning from injury, remains one of the most celebrated comebacks in tennis history.
A New Tradition for the ‘Happy Slam’
Tournament Director Craig Tiley says the Opening Ceremony will blend innovation with the event’s rich history.
“While the AO is renowned for pushing boundaries, we are also the custodians of a proud 120-year history,” Tiley said. “This inaugural Opening Ceremony will mark the start of a new tennis season in spectacular fashion. I can’t wait to see Roger back on Rod Laver Arena, along with other greats of the game.”
The ceremony will also serve as a chance to honor fans, past champions, and the evolving legacy of the tournament itself. Tickets start at $149 and went on sale at 12:00 pm AEDT.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Australian Open
The 114th edition of the Australian Open will take place January 18 – February 1, 2026, with qualifying scheduled for January 12–15. The tournament will once again be played on GreenSet hard courts at Melbourne Park.
Jannik Sinner returns as defending men’s singles champion, while Madison Keys looks to defend her women’s singles title. Defending champions in the doubles fields include Harri Heliövaara/Henry Patten (men’s), Kateřina Siniaková/Taylor Townsend (women’s), and Olivia Gadecki/John Peers (mixed).
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A Long-Awaited Farewell
Federer’s 2026 appearance will mark his first time competing- albeit in exhibition- in front of Melbourne fans since 2020. His presence on court again is expected to be emotional not only for fans but for the man himself, who admits he has been feeling the pull to return to Australia:
“I can’t wait to come down under again to the AO and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans.”
With its blend of nostalgia, celebration, and superstar talent, the inaugural Opening Ceremony promises to usher in a new era for the Australian Open- and to give Federer the Melbourne farewell he richly deserves.
