Roger Federer, one of the biggest names in tennis history, announced that he will be back on the courts at the Australia Open in January. At 44 years old, the Swiss will participate in one match before the official start of the tournament, which begins on January 12, 2026, in Melbourne.
Six-time champion of the first Grand Slam of the season, Federer will face the American Andre Agassi, another former number 1 in the world. The game is just an exhibition, that is, it will not count towards the professional circuit, but is part of the tournament’s special program.
The event is part of the celebrations for the 120th anniversary of the Australia Open and will bring together several idols who marked an era in world tennis.
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Idols who will be present at the Australian Open 2026
In addition to Federer and Agassi, the exhibition will feature Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt, two Australians who also led the ATP rankings.
Rafter and Hewitt are among the biggest names in Australian tennis history. Rafter stood out in the late 1990s, reaching the top of the world rankings and winning two US Open titles.
Hewitt marked the beginning of the 2000s. The youngest number 1 in ATP history, he won the US Open in 2001 and Wimbledon in 2002.
In an official statement, Federer highlighted the special relationship he built with the tournament throughout his career. The former tennis player also cited remarkable emotions experienced at Rod Laver Arena, such as winning the Norman Brookes trophy.
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