MELBOURNE/WASHINGTON, January 17, 2026 (by Michael Dickens)
Roger Federer never received a proper send off from the Australian Open, a major he won six times before he retired from professional tennis in 2022, until this week.
Better late than never, right? After all, later this year, Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion returned to Melbourne to great fanfare, and one thing is certain: Federer still has a presence about him that commands attention, among fans and players – not only in Australia but globally, too. Also, the 44-year-old native of Basel, Switzerland is unfailingly polite and charming – always smiling. It’s no wonder that he coined the phrase “the Happy Slam” to characterize the celebratory, happy vibe and sunny weather of the Australian Open, which has been played Down Under dating back to 1905 and has been an Open Era fixture celebrating its 57th edition this year.
We’re happy to have you, @rogerfederer!!! pic.twitter.com/8iCwSLg8OH
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2026
On Saturday evening, Federer, who hoisted the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup in 2004, 2006-07, 2010 and 2017-18, headlined a special Inaugural Opening Ceremony in his honor on Rod Laver Arena. It was an opportunity that finally gave Federer a chance to bid farewell to his legion of Australian fans.
In a unique “Battle of the World No. 1s,” Federer took to the court joining iconic rivals Andre Agassi, a four-time Australian Open champion, and Australian legends Lleyton Hewitt and Patrick Rafter for a star-studded “hit and giggle” match that precedes main draw play beginning on Sunday. A surprise guest was former World No. 1 and three-time major champion Ashleigh Barty. Hall of Fame great Rod Laver conducted the coin toss.
“I have missed you and it is great to be back. It’s just where we left off, so many memories and nice to dive back into it.” Federer told the crowd.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2026
As Federer casually greeted the media during a news conference held Thursday at Melbourne Park, he admitted: “I’m a little nervous. “To be honest, I haven’t done this whole press conference thing anymore.”
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As Federer never gave the Australian Open fans a formal good-bye – he last played the tournament in 2020, when he reached the semifinals before losing in straight sets to Novak Djokovic – this pre-tournament grand event served its purpose well.
“I feel good to rip the band-aid off and show up on a big court like here at Rod Laver Arena,” Federer said. “I get out there just because it’s too easy and too convenient just to stay home and say I don’t need to do it.
“I’m nervous and excited. I’m happy there’s a moment for the crowd, for me personally, but then also just being on the court with Lleyton that I share so much with, Pat that I always loved playing against – even though I never beat him. He was one of my favorite players. And then Andre, I was fortunate to play against him 10 times or so. Just being together with those guys is going to make me feel better as well. It’s nice to see legends like the Rocket [Rod Laver] here, too.”
On Friday afternoon, Federer warmed up for Saturday evening by practicing with current World No. 12 Casper Ruud of Norway.
Roger Federer v Casper Ruud: AO 2026 Edition
Enjoy the full tiebreak from today’s practice on Rod Laver Arena pic.twitter.com/7rxOkCv2El
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2026
During Federer’s 20-minute news conference, he was asked which of his six Australian Open titles was most memorable for him. He looked back at the 2017 final against Rafael Nadal, his long-time rival who won the Melbourne title twice (2009, 2022). It was a five-set final that came shortly after coming back from a six-month injury layoff – and with an uncertain form and no expectations.
“It was surreal,” recalled Federer of his 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 victory that lasted three hours and 38 minutes. “I came here with no expectations. I was maybe going to be happy with the quarters.
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En route to the title victory over Nadal, Federer defeated Jurgen Melzer, Noah Rubin, Tomas Berdych, Kei Nishikori, Mischa Zverev and Stan Wawrinka. He was pushed to five sets by Nishikori in the round of 16 and by Wawrinka in the semifinals.
“I knew I had a rough draw. I knew I had to go through some big guys to even get anywhere close to winning. And then, I think the way the finals played out makes it one of the most special ones I’ve ever had.”
Now that Federer has been away from the grind of the ATP Tour for three full years, he has no regrets. He’s taken his time to ease into retirement and has enjoyed family life back home in Valbella, Switzerland with his wife Mirka, identical twin daughters Myla and Charlene (born in 2009), and fraternal twin boys Leo and Lenny (born in 2014).
Swiss spotting Swiss @rogerfederer @BelindaBencic pic.twitter.com/b4EsMD4BSh
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2026
Additionally, Federer’s partnership with the Swiss footwear brand On has been multi-faceted and successful. It has allowed him to dabble in investment, design and promotion. As a key stakeholder, Federer’s influence has allowed On to become a major lifestyle brand through his “The Roger” tennis-inspired footwear.
Also, Federer continues his long-term relationship with Uniqlo, the Japanese-based lifestyle wear company, which signed the Swiss superstar to a 10-year, $300 million contract after leaving Nike in 2018. Federer has developed his own stylish “LifeWear” line with the brand, extending his influence beyond just tennis.
Finally, Federer is still actively involved in the Roger Federer Foundation, which supports educational projects in South Africa and Switzerland and “enhances a world where children living in poverty are able to take control of their future and actively shape it.”
Melbourne has always looked good on you, @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/N0ysJOilem
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2026
“The way my end unfolded with injuries and playing less, I got a sense of how it’s going to be without any matches and practice sessions,” Federer said. “I was really super ready for retirement. So, when it happened, it was a relief.
“I was just like I don’t have to play along with the media. Not tell lies but like, ‘How are you feeling? I feel great,’ and oh my God I feel terrible. My parents calling me and saying, ‘When are you going to announce it? Your Godfather is asking me how are you feeling, and I know how you’re feeling, but can I tell him, because it might leak.’ These things, you’re just happy when it’s all sorted out.”
By the time Federer retired, after first achieving a World No. 1 ranking in 2004, he had accumulated a win-loss record of 1,251-275 (369-60 in Grand Slams) and amassed 103 ATP Tour singles titles – including 20 majors (8 of them at the Wimbledon Championships alone).
“I achieved way more than I ever thought I would. It’s been so much fun,” Federer said. “It’s been a dream, truly. If I would have won half of what I’d done, I’d be equally proud sitting here.”
At the conclusion of Saturday’s event, Federer said (quoted by the ATP Tour website): “It was beautiful. It was fantastic. I couldn’t be any happier. Just being back in Melbourne with my friends, legends, rivals, is always a thrill. I am a big historian of the game and looked back at who has paved the way for us and this is a beautiful moment for tennis and obviously I am looking forward to the Australian Open.”
Farewell from Roger
Tomorrow, #AO26 main draw ⏩@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • pic.twitter.com/YcRlhjdEmP
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2026
Sunday’s Australian Open complete order of play
Order of play – RLA, MCA, JCA – Sunday 18 January
Schedule ➡️ https://t.co/IFebnwdGiU#AO26 pic.twitter.com/tfuE5YvLhP— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2026
Monday’s Australian Open order of play
Men’s Australian Open singles draw
Women’s Australian Open singles draw
By the numbers
• There are eight women’s players who are making their Grand Slam main draw debut at the Australian Open. They are: Nikola Bartunkova of Czechia, Linda Klimovicova of Poland, Petra Marcinko of Croatia, Guiomar Maristany Zuleta De Reales of Spain, Oleksandra Oliynykova of Ukraine, Himeno Sakatsume of Japan, Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand and Lanlana Taraudee of Thailand.
Meanwhile, there are seven men’s players who are making their Grand Slam main draw debut at the Australian Open. They are: Nicolai Budkov Kjaer of Norway, Liam Draxl of Canada, Arthur Gea of France, Rafael Jodar of Spain, Francesco Maestrelli of France, Rei Sakamoto of Japan and Michael Zheng of the United States.
• There are two men’s players who are appearing in their final Australian Open – 2014 Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland, who announced in December that 2026 would be his final year on Tour, and two-time AO quarterfinalist Gaël Monfils of France, who earlier announced that this would be his final season. Wawrinka will open against Laslo Djere of Serbia, while Monfils plays Dane Sweeny of Australia.
Gearing up for one last run in Melbourne @Gael_Monfils pic.twitter.com/akLR9z892h
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2026
“Quotable …”
• “It feels really great to be back. Obviously [I have] amazing memories from last year. Also, just lots of success at this tournament. So [I] always have really great memories from here.”
– Defending Australian Open women’s singles champion Madison Keys, from her pre-tournament media session on Friday.
• “All small details, [but] when you are at the top level … the small details make the difference.”
– Defending Australian Open men’s singles champion Jannik Sinner, from his pre-tournament media session on Friday, revealing that he’s made some changes to his serving motion.
