The 2026 Australian Open will get off to a spectacular start with six-time champion Roger Federer headlining an unprecedented opening ceremony.
Federer has not been Down Under since 2020. He broke the news to his social media followers that he will be making the trek next month.
🇨🇭✈️🇦🇺 Roger Federer is heading back to Australia for the first time since 2020 pic.twitter.com/sL3fSjQWvC
— Olly Tennis 🎾 🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) December 11, 2025
The Australian Open is obviously thrilled to have him back. The tournament wasted no time putting out a video sharing the news.
Before new champions are crowned, legends reunite under the lights – and a tradition begins.
AO26 Opening Ceremony ✨ Jan 17, 2026
Tickets on sale from 12pm AEDT. pic.twitter.com/ZaK5MP9xwI
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 11, 2025
What We Know About Roger Federer’s Return
It is being touted as the Battle of the World No. 1s with four-time AO champion Andre Agassi and Australian tennis legends Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt participating.
Roger Federer will headline Australian Open’s first-ever Opening Ceremony, taking place on Saturday 17 January, the night before the main draw begins.
Roger will take to the court in ‘Battle of the World No.1s’ joining Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt. pic.twitter.com/zeZNp3fro4
— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) December 11, 2025
The details have not been publicized. It could be an exhibition doubles match or a tiebreak ten singles scenario with a format similar to the Eisenhower Cup that kicks off Indian Wells.
Regardless, it will draw a lot of fanfare and be the beginning of a year of celebrations for Federer who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame next fall.
Australian Open Kicks Off Winter’s Superior Sports Trifecta
Forget the winter blues in 2026. There will be a trifecta of events happening in January and February that will keep sports fans entertained. They are the Australian Open which begins with qualifying on January 12 and runs through February 1.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy begin on February 4 and run through February 22.
In the midst of the Olympic excitement will be Super Bowl Sunday on February 8.
2026 is shaping up to be a sports fan’s dream year.
