This special occasion, launching the first Grand Slam of the year, provides an opportunity to celebrate the great champions who shaped tennis, the passionate fan base they inspired and the incredible legacy they continue to build.
The legendary Roger Federer, who has won the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup six times, will headline this very special event and will finally get the chance to say goodbye to his legion of Australian fans.
Federer will take the court in a unique ‘Battle of the World No.1s’, joining iconic rivals four-time Australian Open champion Andre Agassi and Australian legends Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt for a star-studded match.
“It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the term ‘Happy Slam’ for the Australian Open, and it still makes me smile when I think of all the moments I’ve had here,” said Roger Federer. “I have experienced so many emotions at Rod Laver Arena… the joy of lifting ‘Norman’ six times, the honor of playing for Rod Laver himself, the challenge of competing against my biggest rivals, and always the overwhelming love and support of the Australian fans.
“Coming back to win the AO in 2017 is one of my fondest Grand Slam memories and supporting them to win in 2018 was another dream come true in Melbourne. I can’t wait to come back to the AO and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans.”
“I am delighted that we are introducing this very special AO Opening Ceremony,” said Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley.
“While the AO has a reputation for innovation and is known for pushing boundaries, we are also the custodians of a proud 120-year history filled with some of the sport’s greatest champions.
“This opening ceremony marks the start of a new tennis season in spectacular fashion. I can’t wait to see Roger back at Rod Laver Arena, along with other greats of the sport Andre, Pat and Lleyton. And I know fans across Australia will be just as excited to share this moment with him.”
Fans can read about Federer’s career in a daily anniversary way in Randy Walker’s book “On This Day In Roger Federer History,” available for purchase and download here: https://a.co/d/aPF4WYO
Tickets for the AO Opening Ceremony start at $149 and go on sale today at 12pm AEDT.
Australian Open 2026, supported by key partner Kia in collaboration with ANZ, Emirates, Luzhou Laojiao and Rolex, will take place at Melbourne Park from January 12 to February 1, 2026.
Ticket sales via Ticketmaster. Visit ausopen.com for more information.
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