MELBOURNE, Australia — The Australian Open kicked off its first official opening ceremony in grand style, showcasing the remarkable legacy of tennis legend Roger Federer on the eve of the prestigious tournament.
Crowded House, the iconic band, entertained a capacity crowd of 15,000 at Rod Laver Arena, the heart of Melbourne Park, where esteemed Australian tennis icon Rod Laver, now 87, was also in attendance, adding to the occasion’s significance.
Federer, a six-time Australian Open champion and celebrated 20-time Grand Slam winner, was the star of the event as he participated in an exhibition doubles match alongside past champions Andre Agassi and Ash Barty. They faced off against renowned Australian players Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt. The crowd was treated to a thrilling display as Federer won the first point with a creative play, ultimately sealing the victory with a spectacular overhead shot.
Novak Djokovic, another tennis titan with ten Australian Open titles and a record 24 major championships to his name, was present to witness the festivities, with his own opening match scheduled for Monday.
Organizers of the Australian Open have expanded the event’s reach by turning the 2026 edition into a three-week festival of tennis, welcoming a staggering 217,999 fans over the first six days for exhibitions, qualifying rounds, and the 1 Point Slam.
This marked Federer’s return to Australia after his retirement from competitive tennis in 2021, making the event particularly meaningful for him. He expressed his gratitude for the support from the tennis community, especially from legends like Rod Laver, underscoring the importance of honoring the pioneers of the sport.
The excitement for the Australian Open is palpable, as fans eagerly anticipate the start of the singles competitions on Sunday, marking the beginning of another thrilling chapter in tennis history.