Roger Federer’s return to the Australian Open for the first time since 2020 proved to be a resounding success, with fans and players alike embracing the occasion.
The six-time champion at Melbourne Park retired from professional tennis in 2022 at the Laver Cup but received a fitting farewell at the Australian Open ahead of the 2026 tournament Saturday.
In addition to taking the court alongside fellow legends, the Swiss great delivered a series of memorable moments throughout his return to Melbourne.
Here is a look at everything Federer did and was involved in during his comeback to the Happy Slam:
# Doubles Match Alongside Lleyton Hewitt, Pat Rafter, Andre Agassi, and Ashleigh Barty with Novak Djokovic in attendance
Federer, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, Patrick Rafter, and Ashleigh Barty put on an entertaining show, sharing laughs during a light-hearted exhibition doubles match held as part of a first-of-its-kind opening ceremony ahead of the Australian Open.
Played in a first-to-four format, the pairing of Agassi and Federer split the opening two sets against Rafter and Hewitt.
With the match heading into a deciding third set, Barty replaced Agassi and teamed up with Federer to clinch a 4–2 victory, watched and applauded courtside by record 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic.
# Wins Tie-Breaker Against Ruud
Ahead of his doubles encounter, Federer stepped onto the court with Casper Ruud for a half-hour practice session, during which the pair contested a tie-break. Federer won convincingly, taking it 7–2, and thrilling fans with a powerful ace and a clean winner off his trademark backhand during the encounter.
# Recreates Iconic Catch with Dylan
Federer recreated his famous moment with ballboy Dylan from the 2012 Australian Open, when he struck a ball and Dylan caught it one-handed. The pair replayed the scene for the crowd, delighting everyone in attendance.
# Draws Comparisons to Carlos Alcaraz
During his press conference ahead of the doubles match, Federer praised Carlos Alcaraz for his current dominance and highlighted similarities between their styles.
“Carlos, when I see him, I feel like there’s more similarities in terms of what we would do, in terms of when we would hit a drop shot, when we would come to the net, how offensive, how passive do we decide to play, because I think we like to play on our terms. So I put myself more into Carlos’s mindset and skin.”
# Farewell on Rod Laver Arena
Following the conclusion of the doubles exhibition, Federer received a fitting tribute on Rod Laver Arena. Fireworks lit up the stadium in a celebration befitting his legacy, leaving the Swiss legend visibly emotional. He blew kisses to the crowd before bidding farewell, leaving behind a lasting image for fans.
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