The 44-year-old, who retired in 2022 after more than 24 years in the sport, sparked excitement on social media with a selfie video posted on Instagram announcing his highly anticipated return to Melbourne.
By Asaye Bankole
Roger Federer is set to make a historic return to the court, launching the first Grand Slam of the tennis season at the 2026 Australian Open.
The 44-year-old, who retired in 2022 after more than 24 years in the sport, sparked excitement on social media with a selfie video posted on Instagram announcing his highly anticipated return to Melbourne.
“I’ve been thinking it’s really cold here in Switzerland. I need to travel again and head back,” Federer said, before turning the camera and finishing the sentence: “Down Under.”
Federer tagged the Australian Open in the joint post, and tournament organisers later confirmed the announcement, saying he will headline the season’s first Grand Slam with a brand-new opening ceremony on January 17, 2026.
“The Happy Slam,” he wrote in the caption, followed by a heart emoji. “See you soon, Australia.”
Fans flooded the comments section, eagerly asking for more details and sharing their excitement about his return.
“Need a tour guide?” wrote McLaren Formula 1 driver and Melbourne native Oscar Piastri.
ESPN tennis host and former world No. 1 Australian player Rennae Stubbs also joined in, posting Australian flag emojis and praising Federer’s “dad joke.”
On the eve of the main draw, the 20-time Grand Slam champion will take to the court alongside fellow tennis legends Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt in a star-studded exhibition dubbed the “Battle of the World No. 1s.”
Federer and Agassi have both lifted the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, winning it six and four times respectively.
The 2026 Australian Open will run from January 12 to February 1, 2026, offering three weeks of world-class tennis and hospitality at Melbourne Park.
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