Roger Federer issues message to tennis fans ahead of his return at the Australian Open in 2026

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Roger Federer is set to make a hugely exciting return to the Australian Open, a tournament he won six times in his career.

Federer will play an exhibition match at the 2026 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event of the season.

The former ATP number one will be joined on the court by fellow legends Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.

Federer first won the Australian Open back in 2004, with his sixth and final success having arrived in 2018, when he successfully defended his title.

Roger Federer messages tennis fans ahead of his Australian Open return

As quoted by the ATP website, the Swiss icon has now shared his excitement ahead of a return to Melbourne Park.

Federer said: “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 here.

“I’ve experienced so many emotions on Rod Laver Arena… The joy of lifting ‘Norman’ [the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup] six times, the honor 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.

“I can’t wait to come down under again to the AO and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans.”

Has Novak Djokovic outshone Roger Federer at the Australian Open?

Australian Open fans will welcome Federer back to the tournament with open arms, with the legend having given them so many unforgettable memories there over the years.

The same can be said of Agassi, Rafter and Hewitt, who should combine to kick off the event with a bang.

Tennis fans think Federer is the greatest male player ever, although he is behind fellow icon Novak Djokovic in Melbourne.

Djokovic has won 10 Australian Open titles, while he is just one Grand Slam title away from becoming the player with the most success ever at that level.

Moreover, 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic is set to make his 81st Grand Slam appearance next month, which would tie him with Federer and Feliciano Lopez at the top of the all-time list.