Melbourne tennis fans were treated to a rare and emotional walk down memory lane on Saturday night, as some of the sport’s most celebrated names reunited at Rod Laver Arena to officially open the Australian Open.
Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt and Patrick Rafter took centre stage in a light-hearted exhibition doubles match that blended nostalgia, humour and genuine competitive spark. The evening was a reminder of just how deeply these champions remain connected to Australian tennis fans.
Tennis royalty reunites at Rod Laver Arena
The atmosphere shifted the moment the four former world No.1 players walked onto the court together. Applause rolled around the stadium, then swelled even louder when Rod Laver himself followed to conduct the ceremonial coin toss.
For many in attendance, it felt less like a formal opening ceremony and more like a reunion with old friends. The crowd responded in kind, settling in early, knowing they were about to witness something special.
Federer, a six-time Australian Open champion, wasted no time setting the tone.
“I have missed you and it is great to be back,” he told the crowd. “It’s just where we left off, so many memories and nice to dive back into it.”
The response was instant. Melbourne, a city that has long embraced Federer as one of its own, roared its approval.
Familiar faces, familiar energy
On court, each player slipped comfortably back into their old rhythms. Hewitt bounced on his toes with trademark intensity, Rafter appeared relaxed and smiling, while Agassi took in the scene calmly, scanning the arena before the first point was played.
Hewitt opened the match on serve, and the cheers came quickly. Early in the contest, Federer framed a forehand lob that somehow landed in for a winner over Rafter’s head. The shot drew laughter from all four players and a playful shake of the head from Hewitt, underlining the relaxed spirit of the night.
Despite the friendly setting, the competitive instincts never fully disappeared.
Contrasting styles spark laughs
As the match unfolded, the contrast between the players’ styles became part of the entertainment. Agassi joked openly about staying well behind the baseline, while Rafter seemed determined to avoid hitting forehands wherever possible.
The exhibition followed a first-to-four-games format, keeping things brisk. The opening two sets moved quickly, with the Australians claiming the first set before the teams split the next, leaving the contest poised.
By this point, the crowd was fully engaged, reacting to every clever touch and knowing grin between the players.
Ashleigh Barty’s return brings the house down
The night took on an added layer of emotion when Ashleigh Barty stepped onto the court for the deciding set, replacing Agassi. The former world No.1, who won the Australian Open in 2022 before retiring, was greeted with a huge ovation on her return.
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Barty wasted little time finding her groove. Calm and composed from the baseline, she partnered seamlessly with Federer as the pair claimed a 4–2 victory in the final set.
Watching from courtside was Novak Djokovic, the record-time 10-time Australian Open champion, adding another layer of star power to the occasion.
Federer reflects on a special moment
After the match, Federer summed up the feeling of the night with heartfelt clarity.
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“It was beautiful,” he said. “It was fantastic. I couldn’t be any happier. Just being back in Melbourne with my friends, legends, rivals, is always a thrill.”
He also reflected on the significance of the moment within the sport’s history.
“I am a big historian of the game and looked back at who has paved the way for us and this is a beautiful moment for tennis and obviously I am looking forward to the Australian Open.”
For fans, the sentiment rang true. The exhibition was less about results and more about celebrating eras that helped shape modern tennis.
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A reminder of past champions and future stars
Agassi remains a four-time Australian Open champion, Hewitt reached the final in 2005, and Rafter’s best run came in 2001 when he advanced to the semi-finals. Their presence on Saturday night served as a powerful reminder of the tournament’s rich legacy.
That legacy now passes to a new generation. The Australian Open officially begins on Sunday, with Carlos Alcaraz set to take to the court. Jannik Sinner enters the tournament as the two-time defending champion, carrying the expectations that come with modern greatness.
Why moments like this still matter
In an era defined by rankings, analytics and relentless competition, Saturday night offered something different. It showed the enduring emotional pull of the Australian Open and why Melbourne continues to hold a special place in the tennis world.
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For Australian fans, seeing past champions share laughs, memories and one last hit under the lights was more than entertainment. It was a reminder of the tournament’s unique ability to honour its history while welcoming the future.
As the first balls of the main draw are struck, that sense of continuity — from Laver to Federer to the next generation — is what continues to set the Australian Open apart.