- Roger Federer made a surprise practice return at the 2026 Australian Open, drawing a packed Rod Laver Arena.
- The 44-year-old played a low-key session with Casper Ruud and later signed autographs for fans.
- Federer’s presence dominated media attention and reignited global interest in the sport.
Federer’s practice draws packed Rod Laver Arena
MELBOURNE — The most talked-about session of the 2026 Australian Open wasn’t a match but a practice. Roger Federer, three-and-a-half years removed from competitive singles, stepped onto Rod Laver Arena for a 45-minute hit with Norway’s Casper Ruud, and the stadium filled to near capacity.
Quiet intensity, flashes of vintage Federer
The practice was deliberately measured. Federer and Ruud kept rallies short for most of the session, reserving higher-intensity exchanges for the final minutes. Still, the crowd saw familiar Federer moves: a drop shot that lured Ruud to the net, a crosscourt forehand that left his opponent scrambling, and that trademark chip return on a first ball.
His one-handed backhand remained a highlight. A late attempt down the line caught the tape and flipped back over the net — a moment that drew audible reaction even in a tame practice.
More than tennis: the celebrity of a champion
Federer’s return felt like a cultural event. Journalists crowded his news conference in numbers rivaling those for top active players, and fans packed the lower bowls and climbed to the arena’s highest points for a glimpse. Media demand extended beyond tennis questions; the moderator asked Federer nine consecutive queries before opening the floor to other reporters.
After the session Federer and Ruud played a friendly tiebreak that Federer won. Then he spent an extended period signing balls, shirts and flags lowered from the stands, waving as the pile slowly thinned but never fully disappeared.
Where this fits in Federer’s Australian Open story
Federer’s relationship with Melbourne is complicated. He has six Australian Open titles but also eight semifinal losses and memorable defeats that shaped his legacy. Still, the city has hosted some of his most celebrated moments, making it a fitting location for this moment of reengagement with fans.
Legacy, scrutiny and the modern game
Federer’s return has stirred both adoration and debate. While many relished glimpses of his artistry, some observers recalled past remarks that drew online controversy. On the court and off it, Federer remains a figure who provokes strong reactions across the tennis world.
What comes next
Federer’s practice preceded a legends doubles appearance alongside Pat Rafter, Andre Agassi and Lleyton Hewitt. Whether he will play more exhibition or competitive tennis at Melbourne remains unclear. For now, his presence has reanimated talk of the sport’s recent past and reminded fans of why he remains one of tennis’s most magnetic figures.
Image Referance: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6976590/2026/01/16/tennis-australian-open-roger-federer/