For the first time since his semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic at the 2020 Australian Open, Roger Federer will return to a fully packed Rod Laver Arena–this time for the inaugural Australian Open opening ceremony.
Here is a complete guide on how you can catch the twenty-time Major champion once again live in action.
All the Details: Time, Date and Where to Watch
The Australian Open has introduced a brand-new tradition ahead of its Sunday start to the main draw, with an official Opening Ceremony now scheduled to launch the tournament. And who better than Federer, a six-time champion in Melbourne, to headline the first-ever ceremony at Melbourne Park.
But the Swiss icon will not be alone. Federer, who recently practiced on Rod Laver Arena and, in true Federer fashion, edged current world No.13 Casper Ruud in a tiebreak, will be joined at the Opening Ceremony by Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, and Patrick Rafter, with all four legends set to compete in a special “Battle of the World No.1s” event, which is shaping up as one of the most anticipated moments of opening week.
Tournament director Craig Tiley, speaking about this new initiative by Tennis Australia, said:
“This inaugural Opening Ceremony will mark the start of a new tennis season in spectacular fashion. I can’t wait to see Roger back on Rod Laver Arena, along with other greats of the game Andre, Pat and Lleyton. And I know fans across Australia will be just as excited to share this moment with him.”
The Opening Ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM local time in Melbourne, which corresponds to 3:00 AM in New York and 8:00 AM in London.
Fans around the world can watch the entire event live and for free on the Australian Open’s official YouTube channel, making this once-in-a-lifetime occasion accessible globally.
Main Photo Credit: Matthias Hauer/GEPA via USA TODAY Sports
