Roger Federer makes return to Happy Slam for Australian Open exhibition

Roger Federer will bid a proper farewell to the Australian Open ahead of the 2026 tournament on Saturday, competing alongside ATP legends Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, and Pat Rafter for a “Battle of the world No. 1s” doubles match that kicks off the event’s inaugural Opening Ceremony.The six-time champion, who famously coined the “Happy Slam” nickname for the Australian Open, will be back on Rod Laver Arena for the first time since 2020, having officially retired from the sport at the 2022 Laver Cup.

“I'm nervous, I'm excited, I'm happy I'm here,” Federer said in a press conference moderated by former ATP doubles No. 1 Todd Woodbridge. “I'm happy there's a moment for the crowd, for me personally, but also being on the court with Lleyton that I shared so much with, Pat that I always loved playing against, even though I never beat him. I always loved Pat. He was one of my favorite players. Then Andre, I was fortunate enough to play against him maybe 10 times or so. Just being together with those guys is going to make me feel better, as well.

“I have great memories of just being here,” he added. “It's been an incredible tournament for me and one of my favorite places to play tennis.”

At 44 years old, Federer has been inching back into the tennis spotlight, competing in a celebrity doubles match at last fall’s Rolex Shanghai Masters and teasing a potential “Legends” tour involving himself and longtime rival Rafael Nadal.

“It's hard to make it a priority in the schedule when you have four children and so many other things going on,” said Federer, who for now prefers competing in doubles rather than singles. “I'm happy I'm super still active, busy, doing loads of sports. Tennis is part of that.”

Federer took a stroll down memory lane during the press conference, recalling a particularly iconic point that helped him win the 2017 Australian Open, but confessed that nostalgia for his playing days isn’t as strong as some might assume.

“If I would have won half of what I've done, I'd be equally proud sitting here because I achieved way more than I ever thought I would,” said Federer. “The run, the time that I've had, it what stands out to me. It's been so much fun.”