Roger Federer made a triumphant return to Rod Laver Arena on Friday.
The 44-year-old enjoyed a practice session with three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud.
They finished off their practice session with a seven-point tiebreak, which Federer won, 7-2.
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Federer proved he’s still got it, taking down the world number 13, a man 17 years his junior.
During his post-match interview, Federer was asked if he would be interested in coming out of retirement and accepting a wild card for the Australian Open.
Roger Federer rubbishes talk of a tennis return
“No, no, no, no,” said Federer.
“I’m not here to play, my calf is twitchy, the body is not ready, the mind is not ready.
“I’m just loving Melbourne for what it is, it’s just nice to come back down here after so many years, and just have fun.
“My family came, parents came too, so it’s a trip down memory lane, a bit of nostalgia for us.
“Have had so many great moments, great years here, came here since 1998 for the juniors, every year pretty much until I retired six years ago here on this court against Novak [Djokovic], but it’s just so nice to be back here down in Australia.”
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Federer doesn’t seem interested in a return to professional tennis, but it’s not all bad news for fans of the Swiss icon.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion will play an exhibition doubles match on Rod Laver Arena with Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt on Saturday, January 17.
Roger Federer shares his favorite tennis memories in Australia
Federer was also asked to share a few of his favorite memories from playing tennis down under.
“Yes, I have many to choose from, which is a wonderful problem to have,” he said.
“I guess the 2017 [Rafael] Nadal final, how can we forget that one?
“One of the most special matches in my life.”
Federer beat Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, to win one of the greatest Grand Slam finals of all time.
He also recalled the moment he became world number one for the first time.
“I also became world number one for the first time here when I beat [Juan Carlos] Ferrero here in 2004,” he said.
“This was another life ago, but this was very special in my career, to make it to number one.”
ATP Top 10 when Roger Federer first became world number one
| Rank | Name | Country | Points |
| 1 | Roger Federer | Switzerland | 5,225 |
| 2 | Juan Carlos Ferrero | Spain | 4,345 |
| 3 | Andy Roddick | USA | 4,335 |
| 4 | Guillermo Coria | Argentina | 3,185 |
| 5 | Andre Agassi | USA | 2,875 |
| 6 | Rainer Schuettler | Germany | 2,510 |
| 7 | Carlos Moya | Spain | 2,345 |
| 8 | David Nalbandian | Argentina | 2,060 |
| 9 | Mark Philippoussis | Australia | 1,715 |
| 10 | Paradorn Srichapan | Thailand | 1,655 |
Federer said Australia has always felt like home to him and thanked the fans.
“I’ve had Davis Cup matches here, I’ve had night sessions, day sessions, some wins, some tough losses, I’ve had it all,” he said.
“Fans have always been behind me, supported me, and I’ve felt at home here.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to be here over the years.”
Federer has certainly left his mark down under, but is he the greatest player in Australian Open history?
Has anyone won more Australian Open titles than Roger Federer?
Federer’s tally of six Australian Open titles is impressive, but not enough for him to seal the top spot.
Novak Djokovic, Margaret Court, and Serena Williams have all won more titles at the event than Federer.
| Rank | Name | Country | ATP/WTA | Era | Titles |
| 1 | Margaret Court | Australia | WTA | Amateur Era/Open Era | 11 |
| 2 | Novak Djokovic | Serbia | ATP | Open Era | 10 |
| 3 | Serena Williams | USA | WTA | Open Era | 7 |
| T-4 | Roger Federer | Switzerland | ATP | Open Era | 6 |
| T-4 | Roy Emerson | Australia | ATP | Amateur Era | 6 |
| T-4 | Nancye Wynne Bolton | Australia | WTA | Amateur Era | 6 |
| 7 | Daphne Akhurst Cozens | Australia | WTA | Amateur Era | 5 |
| T-8 | Andre Agassi | USA | ATP | Open Era | 4 |
| T-8 | Steffi Graf | Germany | WTA | Open Era | 4 |
| T-8 | Monica Seles | USA | WTA | Open Era | 4 |
| T-8 | Evonne Goolagong Cawley | Australia | WTA | Open Era | 4 |
| T-8 | Ken Rosweall | Australia | ATP | Amateur Era/Open Era | 4 |
| T-8 | Jack Crawford | Australia | ATP | Amateur Era | 4 |
Federer is tied with Roy Emerson and Nancye Wynne Bolton in fourth place.
Perhaps some of today’s stars will soon find themselves on the list.
Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner are two-time Australian Open champions and enter the 2026 event as favorites.
The 2026 Australian Open is scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 18.
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