Roger Federer stole the show at the Australian Open's opening ceremony, turning it into a career celebration. The tennis legend partnered with past champions Andre Agassi and Ash Barty for an exhibition doubles match against Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt in Rod Laver Arena.
Federer kicked off his highly anticipated return to Australia by playing a hit-filled setlist alongside Crowded House, which brought the crowd to their feet. The show was not just about tennis but also about nostalgia as Roger Federer was seen paying tribute to earlier generations of stars. His doubles match against his opponents went smoothly with him winning the first point despite framing a forehand and then finishing off the victory with a leaping overhead winner.
It's been quite some time since Federer stepped onto the court, having retired from competitive tennis before he could embark on a farewell season tour. However, he returned to Australia for the Australian Open after his long hiatus due to a combination of factors, including the health issues and personal reasons that led him to withdraw from competing in several high-profile events last year.
The atmosphere at Rod Laver Arena was electric as Federer teamed up with Andre Agassi, who won the men's singles title at the Australian Open in 1995. The doubles match also included Ash Barty, a former world No.1, and Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt added to the excitement. Laver himself attended the event, which was attended by over 200,000 fans across six days.
In an emotional moment during his pre-match interview with CBS News, Federer spoke highly of Rocket (Laver), saying, "It really truly means so much to me when people like Rocket show up." He expressed gratitude towards earlier generations of tennis stars who paved the way for him and other tennis players.
Federer kicked off his highly anticipated return to Australia by playing a hit-filled setlist alongside Crowded House, which brought the crowd to their feet. The show was not just about tennis but also about nostalgia as Roger Federer was seen paying tribute to earlier generations of stars. His doubles match against his opponents went smoothly with him winning the first point despite framing a forehand and then finishing off the victory with a leaping overhead winner.
It's been quite some time since Federer stepped onto the court, having retired from competitive tennis before he could embark on a farewell season tour. However, he returned to Australia for the Australian Open after his long hiatus due to a combination of factors, including the health issues and personal reasons that led him to withdraw from competing in several high-profile events last year.
The atmosphere at Rod Laver Arena was electric as Federer teamed up with Andre Agassi, who won the men's singles title at the Australian Open in 1995. The doubles match also included Ash Barty, a former world No.1, and Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt added to the excitement. Laver himself attended the event, which was attended by over 200,000 fans across six days.
In an emotional moment during his pre-match interview with CBS News, Federer spoke highly of Rocket (Laver), saying, "It really truly means so much to me when people like Rocket show up." He expressed gratitude towards earlier generations of tennis stars who paved the way for him and other tennis players.
, I was literally on the edge of my seat during that doubles match 
! Roger Federer is still got it 
, his skills are as sharp as ever 
. It's so cool to see legends like Andre Agassi and Ash Barty playing alongside him 
. And can we talk about the energy at Rod Laver Arena? The crowd was going wild 
! I loved how Federer paid tribute to earlier generations of tennis stars, it was such a sweet nod to the sport's history 
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. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want to see a hit-filled setlist with Crowded House? 
. It's a testament to the power of sports to bring people together across generations 
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He totally brought the house down with that epic setlist performance alongside Crowded House, and I loved how he paid tribute to all those legends in the game - it was like a total tennis nostalgia fest! 
Plus, that doubles match against Pat & Lleyton was SO cool! 
And can we talk about how emotional it must've been for Roggie when Rocket showed up? 
with his sick doubles match against Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt! I'm loving how he's partnering up with legends like Agassi and Ash Barty - it's like a tennis dream come true 
. And that setlist with Crowded House? Chills all over 
. The crowd went wild, Rod Laver himself showed up... what more can you ask for?! 
I'm hyped to see how the rest of his match goes down!
. either way, i'm down for more fed express on court 
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. And Laver attending the event? Mind blown 
I mean, can you even imagine walking back into a packed arena after all these years just to play some doubles tennis? 
Like, we get it Roger, you're still amazing on the court, but also like... how's your hip holding up again? 
And Crowded House, wow, what a great choice for a setlist. I'm pretty sure I'd be too old to even remember their songs by now 
. But seriously, it's great to see Federer back on the court and giving it his all, especially with some of the legends from the past joining in on the fun. And that emotional moment during the interview?