The Australian Open will launch an exciting new tradition in 2026 with its inaugural Opening Ceremony on Saturday 17 January, and Roger Federer, the man who once called it the “Happy Slam” is coming home one more time.
The six-time champion will walk onto Rod Laver Arena again – this time not to compete for a seventh title, but to finally say a proper goodbye to the Australian fans who adored him for two decades.
In a dream exhibition dubbed the “Battle of the World No.1s”, Federer will team up with four-time AO champion Andre Agassi, two-time finalist Patrick Rafter and former world No.1 and 2005 runner-up Lleyton Hewitt in what promises to be an emotional night of celebration the evening before the main draw begins.
“It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the phrase the ‘Happy Slam’ for the Australian Open, and it still makes me smile,” 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.“
“Coming back to win in 2017 is one of my most treasured Grand Slam memories, and backing it up in 2018 was another dream come true in Melbourne. I can’t wait to come down under again and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans.”
Tournament Director Craig Tiley described the night as the perfect blend of innovation and legacy.
“While the AO has a reputation for pushing the boundaries, we are also custodians of a proud 120-year history filled with some of the sport’s greatest champions,” 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 alongside Andre, Pat and Lleyton. Fans across Australia will be just as excited to share this moment with him.”
The ceremony caps an already electric Opening Week that includes the 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia, charity showdowns featuring Alcaraz, Sinner, Kyrgios and more, and the return of Red Bull BassLine.
For Federer, who last played the Australian Open in 2020, the night will offer the farewell Melbourne never got to give him when injury and the pandemic ended his career.
Tickets for the Opening Ceremony are expected to sell out instantly when they go on sale, so be quick!
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