Roger Federer brought the house down at the Australian Open's opening ceremony, delivering an exhibition doubles match that was as much a celebration of his illustrious career as it was a show for the fans. The six-time Australian Open winner and 20-time Grand Slam champion teamed up with past champions Andre Agassi and Ash Barty to take on Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt in a highly anticipated matchup.
As the crowd packed into the Rod Laver Arena, none other than the venue's namesake, Rod Laver himself, took his seat courtside. Record-setting champion Novak Djokovic watched from the stands, perhaps sensing that he too had a lot to live up to as the new king of Australian Open tennis.
Federer won the first point of the match despite framing a forehand, and went on to seal the victory with an impressive leaping overhead winner. The crowd roared in approval as Federer celebrated with his partners, basking in the adoration of the fans who have come out in force for this year's Australian Open.
For Federer, it was more than just a friendly match - it was also a chance to pay tribute to earlier generations of tennis stars like Laver. "It really truly means so much to me when people like Rocket show up," he said, referring to his idol and fellow tennis legend Rod Laver. The 20-time Grand Slam champion has been in Australia for the first time since 2021, and this match was a chance for him to express his gratitude to those who came before him.
The Australian Open is shaping up to be a three-week festival of tennis, with over 217,000 fans already attending exhibitions and qualifying events. The main draw singles competition will begin on Sunday, and the likes of Djokovic and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams are set to make their mark on the tournament.
For Federer's exhibition match, it was a fitting way to kick off this year's Australian Open - a reminder that even after retiring from competitive tennis, his legacy is still very much alive.
As the crowd packed into the Rod Laver Arena, none other than the venue's namesake, Rod Laver himself, took his seat courtside. Record-setting champion Novak Djokovic watched from the stands, perhaps sensing that he too had a lot to live up to as the new king of Australian Open tennis.
Federer won the first point of the match despite framing a forehand, and went on to seal the victory with an impressive leaping overhead winner. The crowd roared in approval as Federer celebrated with his partners, basking in the adoration of the fans who have come out in force for this year's Australian Open.
For Federer, it was more than just a friendly match - it was also a chance to pay tribute to earlier generations of tennis stars like Laver. "It really truly means so much to me when people like Rocket show up," he said, referring to his idol and fellow tennis legend Rod Laver. The 20-time Grand Slam champion has been in Australia for the first time since 2021, and this match was a chance for him to express his gratitude to those who came before him.
The Australian Open is shaping up to be a three-week festival of tennis, with over 217,000 fans already attending exhibitions and qualifying events. The main draw singles competition will begin on Sunday, and the likes of Djokovic and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams are set to make their mark on the tournament.
For Federer's exhibition match, it was a fitting way to kick off this year's Australian Open - a reminder that even after retiring from competitive tennis, his legacy is still very much alive.
I mean, who knew he'd be cheering on Roger Federer? 
It was so sweet to see them interact with each other. And that doubles match was insane! 
I loved how it felt like a big party in the arena, everyone's having so much fun watching these legends play together. And what's even better is that it's not just about the tennis, it's also about the history and nostalgia behind it all. It really gives me chills thinking about Roger Federer growing up looking up to his idol Rod Laver 
I gotta say, seeing Roger Federer out there crushing it with Andre Agassi and Ash Barty was like watching a masterclass 
. The way he brought the crowd to their feet on that final point was pure magic 
. It's amazing how his presence still electrifies an arena even though he's no longer competing at the highest level. And you can tell it means a lot to him when legends like Rod Laver show up to support him 
. It just goes to show that tennis is more than just a sport, it's about the people and the history behind it 
. Now, let's get this Aussie Open party started! 
i mean, how cool is it that he played with agassi and barty? those are some legends right there 
and to see laver himself courtside was like the icing on the cake 
what's even better is that federer was all about paying tribute to those who paved the way for him 
can't wait to see what else this aussie open has in store!
. And what's with Rod Laver himself sitting courtside? Coincidence? I think not! 
There's gotta be more to this than meets the eye...