Roger Federer is heading back to the Australian Open in 2026. It’ll be his first time at the tournament since 2020.
The Swiss legend has been retired since 2022, though his last Grand Slam match was actually at Wimbledon in 2021. That means it’s been a few years since we’ve seen the maestro regularly on tennis courts.
He’s hinted multiple times about playing exhibition matches during retirement. Federer especially wanted to do a tour with his former rival and good friend Rafael Nadal.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|
We got a glimpse of him at the Shanghai Masters recently, but 2026 might be when he really starts playing more exhibitions.
The Battle of World No. 1s
Federer will headline something called the Battle of the World No. 1s during the tournament’s inaugural Opening Ceremony in Melbourne.
The event happens on Saturday, January 17th, 2026 – the night before the main draw starts.
He’ll be joined by Andre Agassi and two Aussie favorites: Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt. Federer announced his participation in a pretty playful Instagram video.
"I’ve been thinking it’s really cold here in Switzerland. I need to make a trip again and head back Down Under."
Why Australia Means So Much to Federer
The Australian Open is special for Federer. He’s one of only three men to win six titles in Melbourne.
Back in 2018, he joined Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson in that exclusive club. Djokovic has since pulled away with 10 Australian Open titles, but Federer still calls it the "Happy Slam."
There’s good reason for that nickname.
"It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the phrase the ‘Happy Slam’ for the Australian Open, and it still makes me smile when I think about all the moments I’ve had here. 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."
His 2017 comeback win there was pretty amazing. He was coming back from injury and wasn’t sure if he could still compete at the highest level.
"Coming back to win the AO in 2017 is one of my most treasured Grand Slam memories and backing it up to win in 2018 was another dream come true in Melbourne. I can’t wait to come down under again to the AO and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans."
That 2017 victory proved he still had it. Winning again in 2018 was just the cherry on top.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion clearly has a soft spot for Melbourne Park and those Aussie crowds. This exhibition should be a nice way to ease back into playing tennis again – even if it’s just for fun.
