Swiss tennis legend, Roger Federer is formally heading again to Melbourne, and he introduced it in probably the most Roger Federer approach doable. In a light-hearted video posted on social media, the 20-time Grand Slam champion joked about escaping the Swiss winter and returning “Down Beneath”, immediately sending tennis followers right into a frenzy. His comeback, nevertheless, will not be as a competitor, however because the headline act of a brand-new Australian Open custom.
Match organizers confirmed on Friday that Federer will seem on the Rod Laver Area in January for the primary time since retiring in 2022, taking middle stage on the inaugural AO Opening Ceremony. The particular occasion, set for the night of January 17, will function the official launch of the 2026 Australian Open, and as a long-overdue homage to one in every of its best champions.
Watch the video right here:
Federer, who lifted the Norman Brookes Problem Cup six occasions, will lead a “Battle of the World No.1s” exhibition match alongside fellow icons Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt. It marks a uncommon reunion of former top-ranked stars and a becoming tribute to a participant who formed an period at Melbourne Park.
“It seems like a lifetime in the past that I coined the phrase the ‘Glad Slam’, and it nonetheless makes me smile,” Federer mirrored whereas acknowledging the occasion. He spoke fondly of the feelings tied to Rod Laver Area, from elevating “Norman” six occasions to competing in entrance of its legendary namesake and feeling the unwavering affection of Australian followers.
His back-to-back Australian Open triumphs in 2017 and 2018, after an damage layoff and at a stage many considered as twilight, stay two of probably the most cherished victories of his storied profession.
Federer has not set foot at Melbourne Park since 2021 and has not performed at Rod Laver Area since his 2020 semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic. Regardless of that hole, he nonetheless holds the report for probably the most match wins on the match (102) and sits second on the all-time checklist of Australian Open titles.
The Swiss icon’s return subsequent month provides each followers and the tennis neighborhood an opportunity to rejoice his legacy within the enviornment the place he achieved a few of his greatest milestones.
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