Roger Federer Headlines Inaugural Australian Open Opening Ceremony with Exhibition Match

The 2026 Australian Open featured its first formal opening ceremony at Melbourne Park, highlighted by tennis legend Roger Federer's return after retiring in 2022. Federer participated in an exhibition doubles match alongside Andre Agassi and Ashleigh Barty against Australian greats Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter, entertaining a full Rod Laver Arena. The event included musical performances and a tie-break win by Federer over Casper Ruud, serving as a celebratory farewell to Melbourne where Federer won six Australian Open titles.