Federer to headline launch of 2026 Australian Open / Photo: WILLIAM WEST - AFP
-
Rubio to visit Rome, meet Pope Leo after Trump row
-
Kyiv hits Russian oil sites as eight killed in both countries
-
Iran says US military operation 'impossible' as Trump mulls peace proposal
-
Man Utd beat Liverpool to secure Champions League place
-
Two die in 'respiratory illness' outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship
-
Barcelona sink Bayern to reach women's Champions League final
-
True Love lands eighth English 1000 Guineas for O'Brien
-
Sinner dismantles Zverev to win Madrid Open, set record
-
Brilliant Bordeaux clean out Bath to reach Champions Cup final
-
Second unexploded shell found at illegal French rave: minister
-
Bournemouth eye European place after crushing Palace
-
Pogacar ends dominant Tour of Romandie with fourth win
-
Chakravarthy, Narine help Kolkata stay alive in IPL
-
Daughter says Maradona died after carers' plan 'went out of control'
-
Two women suffocate on migrant boat seeking to reach UK
-
How Schalke returned to the Bundesliga after their 'worst season ever'
-
Two women die on migrant boat seeking to reach UK
-
Mumbai coach Jayawardene backs Suryakumar to find his 'rhythm'
-
Under full moon, Shakira thrills 2 million fans on Rio's Copacabana beach
-
Bangkok food vendor curbs push city staple from the streets
-
More Nepalis drive electric, evading global fuel shocks
-
Latecomer Japan eyes slice of rising global defence spending
-
Messi goal not enough as Miami collapse in 4-3 loss to Orlando
-
German fertiliser makers and farmers struggle with Iran war fallout
-
OPEC+ to make first post-UAE production decision
-
Massive crowds fill Rio's Copacabana beach for Shakira concert
-
Embiid, Maxey shine as 76ers eliminate Celtics in NBA playoffs
-
Fleeting freedom at festival for India's transgender community
-
Trump says cutting US troop numbers in Germany 'way down'
-
Man charged with murdering Indigenous girl in Australian outback
-
CMS EXPOSED: The "Workaround Doctrine" - How Matt Zorn's Legal CMS Hemp Strategy Undermines the FDA
-
Prometheus Signals Near-Term Development of Next-Generation Noninvasive Test for MASH Patients at DDW 2026
-
China's Wu Yize wins last-frame thriller to reach snooker world final
-
Serene Korda takes three-shot lead at LPGA Mexico
-
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby in historic triumph for trainer DeVaux
-
King Charles grasped 'opportunity' on US trip, palace says
-
China's Wu wins last-frame thriller to reach snooker world final
-
Verstappen sees light at the end of tunnel
-
Young stretches PGA lead to six at Doral
-
Rio's Copacabana beach hosts massive crowd for free Shakira concert
-
Celtics' Tatum ruled out for decisive game seven against Sixers
-
Wolff heralds Antonelli speed as teen joins Senna and Schumacher in record books
-
Senior Iranian officer says fresh conflict with US 'likely'
-
Barcelona on verge of Liga title, Villarreal secure top four
-
Teen F1 leader Antonelli takes Miami Grand Prix pole
-
Porto edge Alverca to clinch Portuguese league title
-
US airlines step up as Spirit winds down
-
Barcelona on verge of La Liga title defence with win at Osasuna
-
Drugmaker asks US Supreme Court to restore abortion pill access
-
Schalke return to Bundesliga after three-year absence
Federer to headline launch of 2026 Australian Open
Roger Federer will return to the scene of some of his greatest triumphs in January when he headlines a "Battle of the World No.1s" to officially launch the 2026 Australian Open, organisers said Friday.
The Swiss great will be back on Rod Laver Arena for the first time since he retired in 2022 as the Grand Slam at Melbourne Park introduces an inaugural "opening ceremony".
Held on the evening before the tournament starts on January 18, it will include a tribute to Federer, who won the Norman Brookes trophy six times among his 20 major titles.
He will also join four-time Australian Open winner Andre Agassi and Australians Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt for a star-studded match.
"It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the phrase the 'Happy Slam' for the Australian Open, and it still makes me smile when I think about all the moments I've had there," Federer said.
"I've experienced so many emotions on Rod Laver Arena -- the joy of lifting 'Norman' six times, the honour of playing in front of Rod Laver himself.
"The challenge of competing against my biggest rivals, and always the overwhelming love and support of the Australian fans.
"Coming back to win the AO in 2017 is one of my most treasured Grand Slam memories and backing it up to win in 2018 was another dream come true in Melbourne."
Federer also won the tournament in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2010.
W.Morales--AT