PHOTOS: Roger Federer lights up inaugural AO Ceremony, partners Andre Agassi & Ash Barty
Among those courtside to see the six-time winner were his parents and Novak Djokovic.
© 2026 Andy Cheung
The Happy Slam debuted an Opening Ceremony on Saturday that leads into the start of its main draws.
And what a sight it was.
The headline act, of course, was previously announced to be Roger Federer. For the first time in six years, the six-time Australian Open champion stepped out on Rod Laver Arena for an unforgettable evening with some of his most beloved colleagues in the "Battle of the World No.1s".
📲🖥️ Stream a replay of the AO Opening Ceremony on the Tennis Channel App!
Federer, who didn't get to compete Down Under in his final two active years on tour due to injury, played doubles alongside Andre Agassi. With Aussie legends Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt across the net, the exhibition later included a surprise substitution when three-time major winner and home hero Ashleigh Barty replaced Agassi.
A gallery of highlights from a night full of nostalgia:
Welcome back, Roger!
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Fireworks weren't just reserved for the court itself, as Federer looks up at the spectacle.
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Agassi won the pair's first three meetings, before Federer ran away with the final eight.
© 2026 Shi Tang
That's respect right there.
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Next to Tim Henman, Federer's parents Robert and Lynette documented the scene for the mems.
© 2026 James D. Morgan
It wouldn't be a show without some Federer flair.
© 2026 Shi Tang
Just a couple of uncs chest bumping.
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Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this year; Barty is a projected lock for 2027.
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Signing off after an evening of Melbourne magic!
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