Roger Federer is set to perform Down Under once again as he gets ready for an exhibition match at the Australian Open.
Federer will play in the ‘Battle of the world No. 1s’ alongside Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, and Pat Rafter during the opening ceremony in Melbourne.
The Swiss star last competed inside Rod Laver Arena back in 2020, when he made the semifinals before falling to longtime rival and eventual champion Novak Djokovic.
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Prior to his retirement from the sport in 2022, the Australian Open was the last Grand Slam title Federer hoisted, with the 20-time major winner having gone all the way in 2018.
Ahead of his return to action, the 44-year-old said he is feeling both nervous and excited.
Roger Federer speaks ahead of his return to action in Melbourne
In an Australian Open press conference, Federer said: “I feel good to rip the Band-Aid off, show up on a big court like here at Rod Laver Arena, get out there. It’s too easy and too convenient just to stay home and say, I don’t need to do it.
“I’m nervous, I’m excited, I’m happy I’m here. I’m happy there’s a moment for the crowd, for me personally, but also being on the court with Lleyton that I shared so much with, Pat that I always loved playing against, even though I never beat him.
“I always loved Pat. He was one of my favourite players. Then, Andre, I was fortunate enough to play against him maybe 10 times or so. Just being together with those guys is going to make me feel better, as well.
“Just ran into Rocket (Rod Laver) again. It’s nice to see legends like him being here, knowing that that’s also going to be the week, not just the match on its own, plus what is going to happen before or after, everything that goes into it.
“That’s why I said, Kiddies, you have to come along. My parents are also here. We made it a big nostalgia trip. I’m happy we did that trip.”
Roger Federer recalls the 2017 Australian Open final
Federer clinched the 18th Grand Slam title of his career at the Australian Open, and his first since 2012, ending a near-five year drought.
He defeated Rafael Nadal in the championship match, winning what was perhaps one of the greatest major finals ever.
When asked to name his favourite Australian Open memory, Federer said: “I guess it has to be ’17 just because of the way it ended in the finals against Rafa. Yeah, it was surreal.
“I came here with no expectations. I just talked about it in one of the interviews I did before. I was maybe going to be happy with the quarters.
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“I played really well at the Hopman Cup. Came here feeling good. Still, I knew I had a tough draw, had to go through some big guys to get anywhere close to winning.
“I think just the way the finals played out kind of makes it maybe one of the best special ones I’ve ever had in my career.”
Federer went on to defend his title in 2018, beating Marin Cilic in the final that year.
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