The Australian Open will introduce a spectacular new tradition with its first-ever opening ceremony, taking place on Saturday, January 17, the evening before the start of the main draw.
With the first Grand Slam of the year, this special occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate the great champions who shaped the sport of tennis, the passionate fan base they inspired and the incredible legacy they continue to build.
The legendary Roger Federer, who has won the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup six times, will headline this very special event and will finally have the chance to say goodbye to his legion of Australian fans.
Federer will take to the court in a unique ‘Battle of the World No.1s’, meeting his legendary rivals, four-time Australian Open champion Andre Agassi and Aussie legends Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt in a star-studded match.
“It feels like it’s been a lifetime since I coined the term ‘Happy Slam’ for the Australian Open and it still makes me smile when I think of all the moments I’ve experienced here,” said Roger Federer. “I experienced so many emotions at Rod Laver Arena… the joy of lifting ‘Norman’ six times, the honor of playing in front of Rod Laver himself, the challenge of going up against my biggest rivals and always the overwhelming love and support of the Australian fans.”
“Returning to the AO win in 2017 is one of my most treasured Grand Slam memories and winning in 2018 was another dream come true in Melbourne. I can’t wait to come back to the AO and share more fantastic moments with all Australian fans.”
“I am delighted that we are introducing this very special AO Opening Ceremony,” said Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley.
“While the AO is known for innovation and is known for pushing boundaries, we are also the custodians of a proud 120-year history filled with some of the sport’s greatest champions.
“This first opening ceremony will mark the start of a new tennis season in spectacular fashion. I can’t wait to see Roger back at Rod Laver Arena alongside fellow greats of the game Andre, Pat and Lleyton. And I know fans across Australia will be just as excited to share this moment with him.”
Fans can read about Federer’s everyday career in the book “On This Day In Roger Federer History” by Randy Walker and purchase and download it here: https://a.co/d/aPF4WYO
Tickets for the AO Opening Ceremony start at $149 and go on sale from 12pm AEDT today.
The 2026 Australian Open, supported by lead partner Kia in collaboration with ANZ, Emirates, Luzhou Laojiao and Rolex, will take place at Melbourne Park from January 12 to February 1, 2026.
Tickets sold via Ticketmaster. For more information, visit ausopen.com.