Roger Federer Returns to Rod Laver Arena for Australian Open Farewell: A Celebration of Legends and Legacy
MELBOURNE, Australia - Roger Federer is set to step back onto Rod Laver Arena this Saturday, not to chase another Grand Slam title, but to say a proper goodbye to a tournament that helped define his legendary career. The six-time Australian Open champion will headline a special “Battle of the World No. 1s” doubles exhibition match as part of the tournament’s first-ever Opening Ceremony, joining fellow ATP icons Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, and Pat Rafter in what promises to be a nostalgic and emotional night for tennis fans worldwide.
It’s been four years since Federer last played on the Melbourne stage, and nearly two years since he officially retired at the 2022 Laver Cup. But this return, while ceremonial, carries the weight of history and the warmth of familiarity - a homecoming to the court where he helped build the legacy of the “Happy Slam,” a nickname he himself coined.
“I’m nervous, I’m excited, I’m happy I’m here,” Federer said during a press conference hosted by former doubles world 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.”
Federer’s return isn’t just about nostalgia - it’s a celebration of rivalries that shaped an era. Sharing the court once again with Hewitt, Rafter, and Agassi brings back memories of some of the sport’s most compelling battles. Each of these men held the No. 1 ranking, each brought a unique style to the game, and each played a role in Federer’s rise to greatness.
He spoke warmly about his time in Melbourne, calling it “an incredible tournament for me and one of my favorite places to play tennis.” That sentiment resonates with fans who remember his dominant runs Down Under, including the unforgettable 2017 title - his first Grand Slam after a six-month layoff - which reignited his career and led to a late-career renaissance.
Now 44, Federer has been slowly re-emerging in the tennis world. He played in a celebrity doubles match during the Rolex Shanghai Masters last fall and has hinted at the possibility of a “Legends” tour alongside longtime rival Rafael Nadal. But with four children and a full post-retirement schedule, Federer admits that tennis - while still close to his heart - is no longer the central focus of his life.
“It’s hard to make it a priority in the schedule when you have four children and so many other things going on,” he said. “I’m happy I’m still super active, busy, doing loads of sports. Tennis is part of that.”
When asked about his memories, Federer didn’t dwell on the trophies or titles. Instead, he reflected on the journey - the grind, the growth, the joy.
“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,” he said. “The run, the time that I’ve had, is what stands out to me. It’s been so much fun.”
And that’s the essence of Federer’s farewell: not a curtain call filled with sorrow, but a celebration of a career that exceeded all expectations - his own included. Saturday’s exhibition won’t change the record books, but it will give fans one more chance to see a legend on the court he helped define. And for Federer, it’s one last dance with the game he made look so effortless for so long - a game that’s clearly still a part of him, even if the scoreboard no longer matters.