Tennis · International
Federer returns for inaugural Australian Open opening ceremony
Former champions joined the six-time Melbourne winner at a sold-out Rod Laver Arena.
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Roger Federer returned to the Australian Open for the tournament’s inaugural opening ceremony at Rod Laver Arena. The twenty-time major champion had last appeared at Melbourne Park during his run to the 2020 semifinals and had won six singles titles at the event.
Crowded House opened the evening’s entertainment. Federer was joined on court by Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter, Lleyton Hewitt and Ash Barty, with Jim Courier conducting interviews. Novak Djokovic watched the gathering, while Rod Laver was also present in the arena.
The ceremony took place before a sold-out crowd and concluded with fireworks. It introduced a new tournament tradition on the eve of the main draw, which began on Sunday 18 January, bringing retired champions and current competitors together before competition started.
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