7 months ago
Federer, Barty Shine at Australian Open 2026 Ceremony
On Saturday night, the Australian Open 2026 started with a fun exhibition doubles match.
Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Ashleigh Barty, Lleyton Hewitt, and Patrick Rafter played together and made the crowd laugh.
Federer said he missed the fans and was happy to be back.
Barty, who retired after winning the Australian Open in 2022, came back to play with Federer and they won the last set.
A big crowd, including Novak Djokovic, watched the match.
The real tournament starts on Sunday with players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner competing.
The tournament will run until February 1, 2026, and will be broadcast live in India on various Sony channels and the SonyLIV app.
Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Ashleigh Barty, Lleyton Hewitt, and Patrick Rafter played in an exhibition doubles match during the Australian Open 2026 opening ceremony.
Federer greeted the crowd warmly, saying he missed them and was happy to be back, and played a tie-breaker with Casper Ruud, defeating him 7-2.
The match was played in a first-to-four sets format, with the Australians winning the first set and Federer and Barty winning the third set.
Barty, who retired after winning the Australian Open in 2022, received loud cheers when she joined the match.
The crowd included a record-time audience with Novak Djokovic watching courtside, and the tournament begins on Sunday with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner competing.
- Who
- Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Ashleigh Barty, Lleyton Hewitt, Patrick Rafter, Casper Ruud, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Venus Williams, Alexander Zverev
- What
- Exhibition doubles match and Australian Open 2026 tournament
- Where
- Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, Australia
- When
- Saturday, January 17, 2026 (ceremony), Sunday, January 18, 2026 (tournament start)
- Why
- To entertain the crowd and celebrate the start of the Australian Open 2026
Key facts
- Event
- Australian Open 2026 Opening Ceremony
- Participants
- Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Ashleigh Barty, Lleyton Hewitt, Patrick Rafter, Casper Ruud, Novak Djokovic
- Venue
- Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, Australia
- Match Format
- Exhibition doubles, first-to-four sets
- Special Guest
- Rod Laver (coin toss)
- Crowd Size
- Record-time crowd including Novak Djokovic
- Match Result
- Australians won the first set, Federer and Barty won the third set
- Tournament Start
- Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Tournament End
- Sunday, February 1, 2026
- Main Draw Players
- Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Venus Williams, Alexander Zverev
- Live Telecast in India
- Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 1 HD, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 2 HD, Sony Ten 3 (Hindi), Sony Ten 3 HD (Hindi), Sony Ten 4 (Tamil), Sony Ten 4 (Telugu), Sony Ten 4 HD, SonyLIV app and website
- Match Start Time in India
- 5:30 am IST
Timeline
Djokovic's French Open loss sparked Federer fever.
Fans clamor for Federer's return, fueled by Wimbledon record and rivalry.
Federer teases comeback at Shanghai Masters, eyes Australian Open.
Exhibition match against Ruud seals Federer's Australian Open return.
Federer and Agassi dazzle in opening ceremony doubles, Barty joins finale.
Quotes
Aryna Sabalenka
Top seed and winner of the first-round match at the Australian Open
“I'm a huge fan. The whole match I was just telling myself, do not look there, please, do not look.”
rediff.com
“It's incredible. I'd never have thought Roger Federer and Rod Laver are going to be sitting first row watching my match. That's unbelievable. I wanted to show great tennis so you guys enjoy watching me play. What a privilege - I really hope you guys enjoyed it just a little bit.”
rediff.com
Sources
Federer Returns To Melbourne Park!
Aryna Sabalenka overcomes Rod Laver, Roger Federer pressure at Australian Open 2026; ‘Can I take a picture with you?’
Australian Open 2026 Coverage In India: Live Streaming, Telecast & Start Time
Australian Open 2026: Roger Federer, Andre Agassi Light Up Opening Ceremony At Melbourne Park
Roger Federer headlines first ever Australian Open opening ceremony on return to Melbourne Park after three years
Top-ranked Sabalenka and Alcaraz Advance On An Opening Day Of Records At The Australian Open
‘More important to be good human’: Zeynep Sonmez wins hearts by saving fainting ball kid at Australian Open | WATCH
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