Roger Federer headlined the Australian Open's first formal opening ceremony at a sold-out Rod Laver Arena, teaming with Andre Agassi and Ash Barty to win an exhibition doubles match. Crowded House performed and Rod Laver sat courtside as fans celebrated the start of the 2026 tournament. Organizers expanded the event into a three-week tennis festival that drew 217,999 fans over six days. Novak Djokovic attended and is due to begin his singles campaign on Monday.
Federer Steals the Show at Australian Open Opening Ceremony as Rod Laver Looks On
Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts with partner Andre Agassi, left, of the United States in their doubles match against Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter of Australia during the Opening Ceremony for the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Roger Federer stole the spotlight at the Australian Open's first formal opening ceremony on the eve of the season-opening Grand Slam in Melbourne.
Novak Djokovic, right, of Serbia embraces Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Opening Ceremony for the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Crowded House opened the event with a four-song set, and Rod Laver — the 87-year-old Australian legend whose name graces the center court — was seated courtside at a sold-out Rod Laver Arena (15,000 capacity).
Roger Federer of Switzerland and Andre Agassi, right, of the United States react in their doubles match against Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter of Australia during the Opening Ceremony for the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Federer, a six-time Australian Open champion and 20-time Grand Slam winner, teamed with past champions Andre Agassi and Ash Barty in an exhibition doubles match against Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt that served as the program's centerpiece. The match unfolded much as fans hoped: Federer won the opening point despite miscuing a forehand and later sealed the victory with an emphatic, leaping overhead winner.
Rod Laver, centre, waves ahead of a doubles match between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Andre Agassi of the United States, left, and Lleyton Hewitt, right, and Pat Rafter of Australia during the Opening Ceremony for the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.(AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Novak Djokovic — a 10-time Australian Open champion and record 24-time major winner — was among the crowd to watch. The main-draw singles begin Sunday, with Djokovic scheduled to open his campaign on Monday.
Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts with partner Ash Barty of Australia in their doubles match against Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter of Australia during the Opening Ceremony for the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Organizers have expanded the 2026 tournament into a three-week festival of tennis. Across six days of exhibitions, qualifying and the 1-Point Slam before the main draw, the event drew 217,999 fans.
Federer returned to Australia for the first time since 2021 after retiring from competitive tennis before he could stage a farewell-season tour.
“It really truly means so much to me when people like Rocket (Laver) show up,” Federer said. “It’s super important to be grateful to earlier generations of stars.”
What This Meant: The ceremony blended music, tennis history and star power — honoring past champions while giving fans a celebratory kickoff to a stretched, festival-style Australian Open.
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