The 2026 Australian Open kicked off in spectacular fashion on Saturday morning with a legendary doubles exhibition that saw the emotional return of Roger Federer to the iconic Rod Laver Arena.
An Emotional Return for a Tennis Icon
The opening ceremony on Saturday, January 17 served as the perfect prelude to the tournament, which runs from Sunday, January 18 to Sunday, February 1 at Melbourne Park. The centrepiece was a special match featuring four all-time greats: Roger Federer and Andre Agassi teaming up against Australian favourites Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.
For Federer, this marked his first appearance on the Rod Laver Arena court in several years. In a touching mid-game interview, the Swiss maestro revealed it was a "full big moment" for him, made even more special by the presence of his parents in the Melbourne stands. "Having them here to watch me play in Melbourne one more time made it incredibly special," Federer expressed, clearly moved by the occasion.
On-Court Brilliance and Banter
The match was packed with memorable highlights and light-hearted moments. Agassi, demonstrating his enduring skill, left Federer and the crowd stunned by pulling off a perfect 'tweener' shot during the first set. Although the ball had already landed out, Federer's shellshocked reaction turned to admiration as he high-fived his partner for the audacious effort.
The entertainment value skyrocketed thanks to the players wearing microphones, allowing the packed crowd to enjoy every bit of the banter. The fun reached a peak when Pat Rafter, during a playful exchange, jokingly called Andre Agassi a "d***". The comment was taken in the spirit it was intended, with the audience and players all sharing in the laughter.
Agassi was also heard humorously instructing Federer to "do what I say" while engaging in frequent, good-natured sledging with their Australian opponents across the net.
A Celebration of Legacy Over Scoreline
The result of the exhibition was secondary to its purpose: a celebration of tennis and the immense contributions of these Hall of Famers. Both Federer and Agassi showcased impressive fitness and flashes of their legendary skill, with Agassi stating it was an honour to share the court with such esteemed peers.
The event successfully served as a celebratory return for Federer and a thrilling way to launch the first Grand Slam of the year, reminding fans of the charisma and talent that defined an era of the sport.
