Roger Federer sent a wave of nostalgia through the tennis world on his return to Melbourne Park, delighting fans with a signature shot during a practice session ahead of a special exhibition.
A Timeless Shot on Rod Laver Arena
The 44-year-old Swiss maestro, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, is making his first appearance at the Australian Open in six years. During a practice hit with world number 13 Casper Ruud, Federer treated onlookers to a moment of pure magic, striking a flawless one-handed backhand winner down the line.
The iconic shot came during a practice tiebreak, which the 20-time Grand Slam champion went on to win convincingly by a score of 7-2. The Australian Open's official social media account captured the moment, posting "Oh, Roger. That backhand down the line will never get old." The clip quickly circulated online, thrilling his global fanbase.
Exhibition Match and Life After Retirement
Federer is in Melbourne to play in a special exhibition event on Saturday night at Rod Laver Arena. He will be joined by fellow former world number ones Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt for the celebratory match.
Speaking at a press conference, Federer shed light on his current relationship with the sport. He explained that his four children are now the "priority" in his life and that he only plays tennis "from time to time."
"I'm super still active, busy, doing loads of sports. Tennis is part of that," Federer stated. "I feel like I hold the racquet a lot. Do I train a lot myself? No, not at all. I still feel like I play quite a lot of tennis."
He added that his current level is suited to doubles, a format he will play in the exhibition, joking that his partner Pat Rafter probably feels the same way. Federer's last competitive singles match was a defeat to Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon in 2021, after which a series of knee surgeries led to his retirement the following year.
Warm Reception from a Current Star
His practice partner, 27-year-old Casper Ruud—a three-time Grand Slam finalist—was clearly impressed, taking to social media to call Federer the "best practice partner in a while." The session and the Norwegian's gracious comment highlighted the enduring respect Federer commands across generations within the sport.
The brief return of the Swiss legend serves as a potent reminder of his sublime skill and lasting appeal, offering fans a cherished glimpse of the artistry that defined an era of tennis.
