Roger Federer returns to Australian Open 2026: Full 'Battle of the World No.1s' date, lineup, ticket prices & more

Roger Federer is set to return to the Australian Open next month for the 'Battle of the World No. 1s' event. It will feature a star-studded line-up as part of the inaugural Opening Ceremony.

For the first time in the over 100-year history of the Australian Open, the Grand Slam event is set to host an Opening Ceremony. To make it even more memorable, the organizers have called up an exceptional line-up of former World No. 1s to take the stage.

As revealed via statements across social media and the Australian Open website, the inaugural Opening Ceremony is set to take place on January 17, 2026, the night before the main draw matches begin. The event will take place at the storied Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park.

Four-time Australian Open champion Andre Agassi will join Federer and Aussie legends Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt for the event.

"This inaugural Opening Ceremony will mark the start of a new tennis season in spectacular fashion. I can’t wait to see Roger back on Rod Laver Arena, along with other greats of the game, Andre, Pat, and Lleyton," Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.

Tickets for the event start at $149, and the sale began at 12.00 noon AEDT on Friday, December 12.

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Roger Federer opens up about returning to the Australian Open as a six-time champion

Roger Federer at the 2018 Australian Open - Source: Getty

Roger Federer coined the term 'Happy Slam' for the Australian Open, and it has since stuck. The Swiss legend spoke about it in his recent statement regarding the upcoming Opening Ceremony.

"It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the phrase the ‘Happy Slam’ for the Australian Open, and it still makes me smile when I think about all the moments I’ve had here," the Swiss said.

He elaborated about how he has experienced every emotion on Rod Laver Arena.

"I’ve experienced so many emotions on Rod Laver Arena … the joy of lifting ‘Norman’ six times, the honour of playing in front of Rod Laver himself, the challenge of competing against my biggest rivals, and always the overwhelming love and support of the Australian fans," he added.

Federer added that his 2017 Australian Open victory remains one of his most cherished Grand Slam moments, and winning again in 2018 felt like another dream fulfilled in Melbourne. He expressed excitement about returning to the tournament and creating more special moments with the Australian crowd.