Swiss Tennis Great Roger Federer returned to Rod Laver Arena on Friday for the first time since 2020, taking part in a practice session with Norway’s Casper Ruud ahead of an exhibition match scheduled during the opening ceremony of the Australian Open 2026, according to the ATP.

Federer, who announced his retirement from professional tennis in 2022, is set to make a special on-court appearance as part of the tournament’s opening celebrations. The practice session marked a symbolic return to a venue where the former world No. 1 enjoyed some of the most memorable moments of his career.

The 44-year-old has faced Ruud only once in competitive play during his illustrious career. Their practice hit drew attention from fans and officials alike, highlighting Federer’s enduring popularity and continued association with the sport despite stepping away from full-time competition.

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Federer remains one of the most successful players in Australian Open history, having won six of his 20 Grand Slam titles at the Melbourne Park tournament. According to the ATP Infosys Win/Loss Index, he boasts an exceptional 102–15 record at the event, underlining his dominance on the hard courts of Rod Laver Arena.

His last competitive appearance in Melbourne came in 2020, when he reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion Novak Djokovic. That tournament marked his final Australian Open campaign before injuries and subsequent retirement brought his professional career to a close.

The upcoming exhibition match is expected to be one of the highlights of the Australian Open 2026 opening ceremony, offering fans a rare opportunity to see Federer back on court. Organizers say the appearance is intended to celebrate the tournament’s history and honor one of tennis’s most influential figures.

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