The King has officially returned to his kingdom. On a sun-drenched Friday morning at Melbourne Park, Roger Federer stepped onto the hallowed courts of Rod Laver Arena, marking an emotional and highly anticipated return to the Australian Open 2026. Six years after his final competitive match at the venue and four years since hanging up his racquet, the 44-year-old Swiss maestro looked as effortless as ever during a surprise high-octane practice session with Norwegian star Casper Ruud, sending a clear message to the tennis world: the legend is back in town.

A Surprise Hit with Casper Ruud Stuns Fans

While rumors of Federer's arrival had been swirling around the grounds, few expected to see the 20-time Grand Slam champion engaging in a full-throttle hitting session so soon. The Federer Casper Ruud practice session quickly became the talk of the tournament, with thousands of fans rushing to the open practice courts to catch a glimpse of the icon.

Looking fit and relaxed, Federer traded heavy groundstrokes with the current World No. 12, displaying the same fluid mechanics and elegant footwork that defined his two-decade dominance. Reports from courtside suggest the session was far from a casual hit-and-giggle; in a lighthearted tie-break that concluded the hour-long practice, Federer reportedly edged out Ruud, proving that his touch remains undiminished by retirement.

"It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the phrase the 'Happy Slam' for the Australian Open," Federer told reporters shortly after stepping off the court. "And it still makes me smile when I think about all the moments I've had here. Being back on Rod Laver Arena, feeling that surface under my feet again—it's just pure joy."

Headlining the Inaugural Australian Open Opening Ceremony

Federer's practice was merely the appetizer for the main course. The six-time Melbourne champion is in Australia to headline the tournament's first-ever official Australian Open Opening Ceremony on Saturday night. This historic launch event is set to redefine how the Grand Slam kicks off, transforming the eve of the main draw into a celebration of tennis royalty.

Organizers have pulled out all the stops for the occasion, curating a tennis legends exhibition that reads like a Hall of Fame induction list. Dubbed the "Battle of the World No. 1s," the exhibition will see Federer compete alongside fellow icons Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt.

For Australian fans, the prospect of seeing Federer share the court with local heroes Rafter and Hewitt, as well as his old rival Agassi, is a dream scenario. "I'm happy there's a moment for the crowd, and for me personally," Federer remarked. "To be out there with Lleyton and Pat, guys I shared so much history with, and Andre, who I was fortunate to play against 10 times—it’s going to be special."

Nostalgia and the New Guard

Federer's return also bridges the gap between the sport's golden era and its thrilling present. During his media availability, the Swiss legend took time to praise the current titans of the game, specifically commenting on the blossoming rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

"The rivalry with Alcaraz and Sinner is a great one," Federer observed, showing he still keeps a keen eye on the tour. "They play incredible tennis. I think that French Open final was unreal. It's wonderful to see their progression."

However, he offered a piece of champion's advice to the chasing pack, including young talents like João Fonseca. "You don't want to be the third guy; you want to be the guy," Federer said, flashing a competitive grin. "In our time, sometimes I felt the media didn't allow others to speak up because of the legends in the room. But anybody in the draw should come here saying, 'I want to win the Australian Open.'"

Andre Agassi Returns to Melbourne

The excitement for Saturday's exhibition is compounded by the return of Andre Agassi Melbourne fans have missed for years. Agassi, a four-time Australian Open champion himself, brings his own legacy of dominance to the event. The chemistry and contrast between Federer's fluid grace and Agassi's aggressive baseline style promise a spectacle that transcends generations.

Tournament Director Craig Tiley expressed his thrill at reuniting these giants. "I can't wait to see Roger back on Rod Laver Arena, along with other greats of the game. We are custodians of a proud history, and this Opening Ceremony is the perfect way to honor that lineage while looking forward to the 2026 tournament."

A Proper Farewell for the Fans

For many, this weekend offers the closure that the pandemic-disrupted years denied them. Federer's last competitive match at Melbourne Park was a semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic in 2020. He never got a formal on-court farewell at the Australian Open before his retirement in 2022.

Now, with the "Happy Slam" living up to its name, fans have one more chance to shower their adoration on the man who redefined the sport. As the sun sets over Melbourne on Saturday, the spotlight will once again find Roger Federer, not chasing a trophy this time, but celebrating a legacy that will endure forever.