Australian Open 2026 ultimate guide: Wild scenes as fans clamour to watch Roger Federer hit with star

Roger Federer delighted fans at the Australian Open on Friday, stepping onto Rod Laver Arena for a practice session with Casper Ruud in front of a packed stadium.

Tennis fans packed the stands to catch a glimpse of the 20-time grand slam champion, with cheers breaking out as Federer made his way to the baseline for the light session.

Despite the appearance and the high energy in the stadium, Federer was quick to shut down any talk of a competitive comeback.

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The atmosphere remained electric for 40-odd minutes as the 44-year-old eased into a casual rally with Ruud, who is set to play Italy's Mattia Bellucci in the first round.

Federer celebrated the odd point that cleared Ruud but refused to be baited into a competitive rally with the No.12 seed.

The Swiss champion returns to Melbourne Park to headline the Australian Open's inaugural Opening Ceremony on Saturday night.

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The event will feature a unique doubles exhibition match bringing together a group of former world No.1s and iconic rivals, including Andre Agassi and Aussie greats Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.

While Federer retired from professional tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup in London, his years competing at Melbourne Park ended abruptly in 2020.

Speaking on court after hitting with Ruud, Federer was pleased that his competitive form is no longer relevant now that he is retired.

"Normally, we'd be talking 'how's your form', the same interview as you would do with Casper, but that doesn't matter, my form," he said with a smile.

"I'm very happy with how I'm striking the ball at the moment. It was such a privilege to be back out on Rod Laver Arena.

"They asked me, 'Do you want to practice before?' and I'm like, 'Yeah, sure'. [Then they asked,] 'How about Rod Laver Arena?'

"I'm like, 'Rod Laver Arena, OK. Stadium open or closed?

"'They were like, 'We would open it up'. I'm like, 'Oh no — OK!'

"So, thank you for coming out and making it very, very special."

Asked if he would like a wildcard for this year's tournament, Federer was quick to dismiss the suggestion.

"No, no, no, no. I'm not here to play," he said.

"My calf is twitchy, the body is not ready, my mind's not ready.

"I'm just loving Melbourne for what it is, and it's just nice to come back down here after so many years, and just have fun. 

"My family came, my parents came too, so it's a trip down memory lane and a bit of nostalgia for us. 

"I've had so many great moments, great years here. I've come here ever since '98 for the juniors, every year, pretty much until I retired six years ago here on this court against Novak, and then I tried to play a bit more, but it's just so nice to be back here down in Australia."

Federer took time to sign autographs and greet fans before leaving the arena.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Australian Open.

When is the 2026 Australian Open?

The main draw runs from Sunday, January 18, to Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The women's singles final will take place on Saturday, January 31, followed by the men's singles final the following evening.

What is the schedule for the 2026 Australian Open?

Below is the round-by-round schedule for the men's and women's singles main draw:

First round: Sunday, Jan 18 – Tuesday, Jan 20

Second round: Wednesday, Jan 21 – Thursday, Jan 22

Third round: Friday, Jan 23 – Saturday, Jan 24

Fourth round (R16): Sunday, Jan 25 – Monday, Jan 26

Quarter-finals: Tuesday, Jan 27 – Wednesday, Jan 28

Women's semi-finals: Thursday, Jan 29

Men's semi-finals: Friday, Jan 30

Women's final: Saturday, Jan 31

Men's final: Sunday, Feb 1

Where is the 2026 Australian Open?

The Australian Open is held at the Melbourne Park precinct on the edge of the city's CBD.

What does the 2026 Australian Open draw look like?

Read who the Australians will face in the opening round and track the top seeds' potential paths to the title here.

What is the prize money for the Australian Open 2026?

The 2026 Australian Open features a record-breaking total prize pool of $111.5 million, which is a 16 per cent increase on last year.

The winners of the singles titles will each take home a record $4.15 million.

The winning men's and women's doubles teams will also share $900,000.

Continue reading about the prize money on offer here.

How to watch the 2026 Australian Open?

If you can't make it to Melbourne Park, you can still catch all the high-pressure action live and free on Nine.

The 2026 Australian Open is being broadcast live on Nine, with every match available to stream on-demand via 9Now and Stan Sport.

For more information on how to watch the 2026 Australian Open, you can find a guide to tuning in via Nine, 9Now, and Stan Sport here.

Will Novak Djokovic play the Australian Open in 2026?

Novak Djokovic returns to Melbourne Park on a quest for a record-breaking 11th Australian Open title, looking to bounce back after falling short in his previous two visits.

Entering the tournament as the No.4 seed, the 38-year-old is aiming to equal Margaret Court's all-time mark of 11 Australian singles crowns and secure a historic 25th grand slam trophy overall.

Djokovic is scheduled play Spaniard Pedro Martinez in the first round.

After being placed in the bottom half of the draw, the Serbian superstar is on a collision course for a potential blockbuster semi-final clash with two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner.

Who is performing at the 2026 Australian Open?

This year, the tournament has introduced "15 nights of music" at Rod Laver Arena, where different artists will perform on court before the first match of the night session.

As part of the 2026 AO LIVE series, John Cain Arena will host a string of marquee ticketed concerts during the second week of the tournament.

Wednesday, Jan 28: The Kid LAROI, MAY-A, Will Swinton

Thursday, Jan 29: Spacey Jane, Mallrat, The Belair Lip Bombs

Friday, Jan 30 (Pride Day): The Veronicas & SOFI TUKKER, Memphis LK

Saturday, Jan 31 (Women's final): Reneé Rapp, Cat & Calmell

Sunday, Feb 1 (Men's final): Peggy Gou, Shygirl, Baby J, Bryson Hill

How to get tickets for the 2026 Australian Open?

You can secure your spot at Melbourne Park through Ticketmaster, the tournament's official ticket provider.

What are the qualifying dates for the 2026 Australian Open?

The qualifying rounds for the 2026 Australian Open took place over four days, from Monday, January 12 to Thursday, January 15.

Sixteen men and 16 women successfully won through the three rounds to secure their spot in the main draw.