Federer, a six-time Australian Open winner and 20-time Grand Slam champion, partnered with past champions Andre Agassi and then Ash Barty in an exhibition doubles match against Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt as the main feature of the program.

The Australian Open's first formal opening ceremony turned into a Roger Federer celebration. On the eve of the season-opening major, Federer played an exhibition doubles match with Andre Agassi and Ash Barty against Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.

The most anticipated practice session of the 2026 Australian Open was for a player three-and-a-half years removed from the sport.

Now 44, Federer returned to Melbourne Park to play a competitive tiebreaker against a seeded player in this year's tournament. His appearance served as a warm-up before taking part in an exhibition involving fellow legends Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt during Saturday's opening ceremony.

Roger Federer's return at the Australian Open opening ceremony turned emotional as he recreated an iconic ball-boy catch, shared the stage with legends and finally received the farewell he never had.

As Federer referenced, the Swiss star also became emotional after defeating Marcos Baghdatis in the 2006 Australian Open final. On that day in 2006, Federer defeated Baghdatis 5–7, 7–5, 6–0, 6–2 to win his second title in Melbourne.

Aryna Sabalenka started her quest for a third Australian Open title with a 6-4 6-1 victory over French wildcard Tiantsoa ‘Sarah’ Rakotomanga Rajaonah on day one of the tournament - and then put six-time former champion Roger Federer on the spot.