In a dazzling display of tennis camaraderie, legends Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, and Patrick Rafter brought excitement to the Australian Open's opening ceremony on January 17, 2026. This unforgettable night featured an exhibition doubles match that had fans roaring with laughter and joy as these icons took to the court alongside Ashleigh Barty.
As the lights illuminated Rod Laver Arena, the audience buzzed with anticipation when the four esteemed ATP No. 1 Club members made their entrance. The excitement crescendoed further with the arrival of tennis great Rod Laver, who was there to officiate the coin toss.
Federer, a six-time champion at the Australian Open, instantly set a warm tone for the event. Grabbing the microphone, he addressed the crowd with genuine enthusiasm: "I have missed you, and it’s wonderful to be back. It feels just like we left off, filled with so many memories, and it’s lovely to dive back into it all."
Hewitt, full of energy, bounced eagerly on his toes, while Rafter appeared relaxed, and Agassi took in the atmosphere with a calm demeanor.
When Hewitt served the first ball, the crowd erupted in cheers almost immediately. Federer showcased his talent with a perfectly executed forehand lob that surprisingly landed in for a winner over Rafter, prompting laughter from all players—and a playful shake of the head from Hewitt.
As the match unfolded, the contrasting styles of play became evident. Agassi humorously remarked about his preference to remain behind the baseline, while Rafter made every effort to avoid hitting a forehand. The game was played in a fast-paced first-to-four format, with the Australians clinching the first set with a score of 4-2.
In an exciting twist, Barty came onto the court to replace Agassi for the third set. The former World No. 1 and Australian Open champion from 2022 received an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd. Quickly finding her groove from the baseline, Barty and Federer secured a 4-2 victory in the final set, much to the delight of Novak Djokovic, who watched from the sidelines as the record-time ten-time champion.
"It was beautiful," Federer reflected after the match. "It was fantastic. I couldn’t be happier. Just being back in Melbourne with my friends, legends, and rivals is always thrilling. As a big historian of the game, I appreciate those who paved the way for us. This moment is truly special for tennis, and I’m looking forward to the Australian Open!"
Agassi boasts four Australian Open titles, while Hewitt reached the finals in 2005, and Rafter's best performance was a semi-final run in 2001. The main tournament kicks off on Sunday, featuring star players like Carlos Alcaraz, with Jannik Sinner looking to defend his title for the third consecutive year.
