The tennis world is basking in a wave of nostalgia as the legendary Roger Federer has made a triumphant return to Melbourne Park, a venue he graced for over two decades. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, now 44, is back in Australia for the first time since his semi-final run in 2020, and he is set to headline a series of special events at the Australian Open.
A Nostalgic Return and a Long-Awaited Farewell
Federer's visit is a deeply personal journey, shared with his wife Mirka, their children, and his parents, Lynette and Robert. The primary occasion is the inaugural AO 2026 Opening Ceremony on Saturday night, where he will take centre stage at Rod Laver Arena. He will join fellow greats Pat Rafter, Lleyton Hewitt, and Andre Agassi in a 'Battle of World No.1s' exhibition.
This event serves a dual purpose: celebrating the sport's history and providing fans with the opportunity to properly say goodbye. Federer, who retired in 2022, never had a formal farewell on Australian soil. "I feel good to rip the band-aid off and show up on a big court like Rod Laver Arena," Federer told reporters. "I need to get out there, because it's too easy and too convenient just to stay home."
Reflecting on a Decorated Career Down Under
Federer's connection with the Australian Open is profound. He made his debut in 2000, defeating Michael Chang for his first-ever Grand Slam match win. Over the next 22 years, he would lift the trophy six times. When asked to pick a favourite, he singled out his epic 2017 final victory over Rafael Nadal, a five-set classic that cemented his legacy as one of the sport's ultimate fighters.
His last competitive appearance at Melbourne Park was in the 2020 semi-finals, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. The Swiss maestro confirmed he is content with retiring on his own terms, closing a historic 24-year chapter.
Federer's Verdict on the Next Generation
Ever the competitor, Federer also offered his perspective on the future of men's tennis. When questioned if young Brazilian João Fonseca could join Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at the top, Federer's response was characteristically ambitious. "You don't want to be the third guy, you want to be the guy," he countered, emphasising the champion's mindset required to dominate.
As he prepares to step onto Rod Laver Arena once more, not for titles but for applause, the affection for Federer remains undimmed. His return to Melbourne is a fitting tribute to a career that brought so much magic to the sport and its global fanbase.
