Roger Federer joins Agassi and Rafter to ignite new Australian Open event

Tennis legend Roger Federer returns to Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021 to headline a new Australian Open Opening Ceremony featuring Andre Agassi and Australian greats.

Roger Federer will return to the Australian Open: Getty Images.

Tennis legend Roger Federer will headline an epic line-up of some of the sport’s greats to light up centre court for a revamped launch of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

For the first time, fans will next month be invited to Rod Laver Arena for a special “AO Opening Ceremony” the night before the 15 day Grand Slam officially begins.

The January 17 event will become the crowning event of AO Opening Week, presented by the Herald Sun, with on-court tennis action, major music acts and entertainment.

The Herald Sun can reveal 20 time Slam winner Federer will return to Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021, as part of a group of former World No. 1’s to do battle on centre court.

Eight time major winner Andre Agassi and Aussie greats Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt will also take part in the new AO tradition.

Andre Agassi in Melbourne Picture: Brendan Beckett

The evening will feature a tribute to six time AO winner Federer, who retired in 2022 but last played at Melbourne Park almost five years ago.

Federer, ranked No. 1 for 310 weeks of his remarkable career including a record 237 consecutive weeks, said: “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.

“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.’’

Tennis icons who redefined the game including four time AO winner Agassi, two time US Open champion Rafter and Wimbledon and US Open winner Hewitt will join Federer on court.

Australian former world No. 1 tennis player Pat Rafter. Picture: Mark Stewart

Federer said coming back from injury to win the AO in 2017 was “one of my most treasured Grand Slam memories’’ and “backing it up to win in 2018 was another dream come true in Melbourne.

“I can’t wait to come down under again to the AO and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans,’’ he said.

The evening, to be announced Friday, will be billed as a nod to tennis stars of the past, present and emerging.

Australian Open director Craig Tiley said: “I’m thrilled we’re introducing this very special AO Opening Ceremony.

“While the AO has a reputation for innovation and is renowned for pushing the boundaries, we are also the custodians of a proud 120-year history filled with some of the sport’s greatest champions.

“This inaugural Opening Ceremony will mark the start of a new tennis season in spectacular fashion.’’

Tickets will go on sale from noon Friday, starting at $149.

“I can’t wait to see Roger back on Rod Laver Arena, along with other greats of the game Andre, Pat and Lleyton,’’ Mr Tiley said.

“And I know fans across Australia will be just as excited to share this moment with him.”

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Originally published as Roger Federer joins Agassi and Rafter to ignite new Australian Open event