Five greats of the game took to the court inside Rod Laver Arena on Saturday to headline the opening ceremony at the Australian Open.
Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, Patrick Rafter and Ash Barty competed in an exhibition match in front of a packed crowd at Melbourne Park.
The four former ATP stars started the contest and played until the third set, when Barty came out to replace Agassi.
After the match, the legends spoke on a panel, and the former WTA number one picked which shot she would take from each of the other four.
Ash Barty picks the best shot from four ATP legends
When asked which shot she would take from Federer, Agassi, Rafter and Hewitt, Barty said: “Back in the day… Can I take one from each and completely redesign my game? Pat, I’ll have to take your volleys, naturally.”
Rafter responded: “Well, that’s all I’ve got, you don’t want my forehand return?”
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Barty then replied: “I do not want your forehand return, I’ll take Andre’s forehand return, maybe backhand return too.
“Lleyton, I wouldn’t mind your speed around the court, and then Roger, I’ll take everything else. I can’t give up my slice.”
Barty retired during the 2022 WTA season, shortly after winning her third and final Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open.
Lleyton Hewitt names his favourite Australian Open memory
Australia’s Hewitt never emerged victorious at his home Grand Slam, but he did come close back in 2005.
That year, Hewitt reached the final, but was beaten by Marat Safin in four sets.
Reflecting on the run, he said: “I think 2005 was something really special for me. Obviously, I prioritised this tournament so much, I used to come here as a kid, sitting in the stands there day sessions, night sessions, and watched so many matches.
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“To finally get through and make a big run, get through to the final… It was a pretty special moment when I beat Andy Roddick in the semifinals, in a really tight four-setter, to give myself a chance.
“Just the wave of support I got from the Australian public for those two weeks, I’ll never forget.”
Hewitt retired in 2016 and is currently the Davis Cup captain for Australia.
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