The 114th edition of the Australian Open will host, for the first time in its history, an inaugural opening ceremony featuring a must-see match between greats of the game.
Moreover, the event, to be held the night before the main draw begins, will mark the return of tennis legend Roger Federer to Rod Laver Arena, since his last appearance at the Slam in 2020.
“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,” said the Swiss.
The 44-year-old last lifted the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup in 2018, successfully defending the title he had claimed the year before for the fifth time.
In 2022, the 20-time Grand Slam champion bid farewell to professional tennis at the Laver Cup.
“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,” he added.
“I can’t wait to come down under again to the AO and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans.”
He will be joined on court by four-time Australian Open champion Andre Agassi, Australian former world number one Patrick Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt, all starring in a historic ‘Battle of the World No.1s.’
Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley assessed the introduction of the event, outlining: “This inaugural Opening Ceremony will mark the start of a new tennis season in spectacular fashion.
“I can’t wait to see Roger back on Rod Laver Arena, along with other greats of the game, Andre, Pat, and Lleyton. And I know fans across Australia will be just as excited to share this moment with him.”
The first major of the new season will run from January 12 to February 1, 2026.
Meanwhile, the ceremony will take place on Saturday night, January 17, 2026, at Melbourne Park.