Roger Federer to headline the Australian Open’s opening ceremonies with a historic return
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The tennis legend, now 44, revealed the news via a social post on Instagram.
December 12, 2025, 4:50 PM
Federer is poised to make a landmark comeback on the court and to inaugurate the 2026 Australian Open, the year’s first major tournament.
Since retiring in 2022 after more than two decades and a half of professional play, Federer wowed fans with a selfie-style video on Instagram that confirmed his anticipated return to Melbourne.
Notably, Federer and Andre Agassi have both lifted the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, with Federer securing the trophy six times and Agassi four times.
When does the Australian Open take place?
AO 2026 runs from January 12 to February 1, 2026, delivering three weeks of top-tier tennis and hospitality at Melbourne Park.
