Roger Federer returned to the Australian Open with a bang, much to the delight of the fans in Melbourne.
Federer impressed Novak Djokovic with his level on the court, having beaten ATP ace Casper Ruud in a practice match.
But Federer really caught the eye in his exhibition match during the Australian Open opening ceremony, where he was joined by a handful of fellow legends.
Pat Rafter, Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and Ashleigh Barty all took to Rod Laver Arena alongside the Swiss icon.
You can bring one tennis legend out of retirement. Who do you pick and why?
Roger Federer thanks Melbourne for ‘incredible’ Australian Open return
Federer has now recapped his joyful return to the Australian Open, a tournament he won six times before his retirement in 2022.
Tagging the Australian Open account, he shared images of his return on Instagram with the words: “Happy Slam forever. Thank you, Melbourne, for such an incredible embrace.”
And the tournament’s official account was quick to reciprocate the love, commenting: “The pleasure is ours.”
Federer first lifted the Australian Open trophy in 2004, with the ATP legend’s sixth and final title arriving in 2018.
He also lost the 2009 final to Rafael Nadal, with their five-set thriller widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in Australian Open history.
Who is the most influential tennis player ever?
Roger Federer boasts more Australian Open wins than Novak Djokovic
While Federer has a superb history at the Australian Open, it is the 10 titles of Novak Djokovic that are more than any other man.
Djokovic just claimed his 100th Australian Open win, but that figure is surprisingly behind his former rival Federer.
The Swiss icon boasts 102 singles wins at the hard-court Grand Slam, more than any other man in the Open Era.
Djokovic can, of course, overtake his old nemesis at this year’s tournament, but it certainly won’t be an easy feat.
After knocking out Pedro Martinez in round one, the 38-year-old will meet qualifier Francesco Maestrelli for a place in the third round.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
