Federer to headline launch of 2026 Australian Open / Photo: WILLIAM WEST - AFP
-
'Second life': Nepal tunnel survivor recalls ordeal
-
Garcia keeps WBC welterweight title by stopping Benn
-
Hong Kong homes flattened for US$28 bn high-tech hub
-
Lights out in Laos as electricity exports surge
-
'Be careful what you wish for': 'Obsession' director and star reflect on success
-
'This is the test': All eyes on US Fed to tackle high inflation
-
Messi scores but Miami held by Nashville
-
Scars of Marawi siege linger as Philippines poll nears
-
US Open champ Rybakina on top of world after injury scare
-
Trump turns to golf, family business on Irish visit's second day
-
Rybakina reigns serene as new world number one
-
Best Online Gold Dealers in USA 2026 Rankings Released By Experts
-
Defiant Sabalenka motivated by US Open defeat
-
South Africa defeat New Zealand 43-28 to complete 3-1 series victory
-
Houthis say hit Saudi base after renewed fighting with Yemeni govt forces
-
Rybakina triumphs in US Open, denies Sabalenka three-peat
-
Gilbert Arenas questions Jonathan Kuminga's decision to join Minnesota
-
Akron fan's honorary play-calling stint ends with opening-drive fumble
-
Cristian Mungiu's Fjord examines a family's conflict with Norwegian child authorities
-
Louisiana's developing roster faces USC as Trojans enter as heavy favorites
-
United States beats Spain 76-66 to set up World Cup final against France
-
Christa Pike seeks clemency before September 30 execution in Tennessee
-
Queens residents seek renewed enforcement along Roosevelt Avenue
-
Utah hosts Arkansas as both programs begin seasons under new coaches
-
Marmot research gains over $140,000 from meme-coin fees alongside wildlife contest
-
Maryland groups seek statewide data center pause after local moratoriums spread
-
Roadless Rule repeal proposal raises concerns over Midwest forests and fire risk
-
Winston County trash-debt prosecutions face challenge from civil-rights lawyers
-
KFF journalists discuss opioid funds, suicide prevention and gaps in care
-
Fifth Circuit upholds dismissal of Jackson residents' constitutional water claims
-
Steven Strogatz weighs AI mathematics advances and their consequences for researchers
-
Anthropic details Claude misuse as US targets major illicit online marketplace
-
GTA VI draws political criticism online as preorder estimates exceed five million
-
Japanese floating parking platform is designed to lift cars above floodwater
-
Mini 1998 GT pairs 161-hp engine with John Cooper Works chassis hardware
-
Arteta blasts 'unacceptable' Sunderland penalty despite Arsenal win
-
Attissogbe double inspires Pau to Top 14 summit
-
Mbappe at the double as Real Madrid sink Rayo
-
Guimaraes strike lights up Arsenal win over Sunderland
-
Arsenal extend perfect Premier League start as Chelsea, Liverpool held
-
Israeli-made Gaza documentary wins Venice special jury prize
-
US survive Spain scare to book World Cup final clash with France
-
De Zerbi apologises to fans after Spurs' stalemate extends goal drought
-
Celine Dion makes long-awaited return to stage in Paris
-
Lowry takes four-shot lead as Trump jets in for Irish Open
-
Werro crowned Ultimate queen, US sweep 100m races
-
Harrison, Skupski win US Open men's doubles title
-
Venezuelans outside Caracas say capital not sharing blackout burden
-
Verstappen fears overtaking will be 'tough' at Spanish GP
-
Danish WWII drama wins top prize at Venice festival
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.
Th.Berger--AMWN