An Emotional Farewell

After six years, Roger Federer finally bid a teary-eyed farewell to the Australian Open, the tournament he had named the Happy Slam. In an emotional ceremony on Saturday, Federer played an exhibition doubles match alongside American Andre Agassi, defeating Aussies Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt (2-4 4-2 4-2).

Special Moments with Casper Ruud and Dear Old Opponents

• Federer hit the court again the following day, playing an unofficial training session with Norwegian star Casper Ruud.
• The Basel native also shared the court with old rivals and retirees Agassi, Rafter, and Hewitt in the doubles clash.

Australia, A Nearly-Home for Federer

Federer revealed that his family had once considered emigrating to Australia when he was 13, hinting at an alternative career path. His emotional goodbye tweet to Melbourne encapsulated his love for the city and the tournament.

Thank you Melbourne & Australia for everything, it’s been a tremendous journey. I will miss playing here, that’s for sure.

– Roger Federer (@rogerfederer), January 18, 2026

No Plans for Singles Retirement

When asked about retirement from singles competition, Federer remained noncommittal, stating, “I’m not training enough to play singles… It’s hard to prioritize tennis with four kids and other activities.” The 44-year-old mentioned enjoying watching his children improve and spending time with family.

Did you know?

Federer’s first appearance in Melbourne dates back to 1998, when he reached the semifinals of the junior tournament.

Pro Tip

While Federer’s future in singles competition remains uncertain, his legacy in Australian tennis will last forever. Collected in the Australian Sports Museum, the Federer saga continues with his tennis racket, shoes, and a shirt from his last Australian Open appearance in 2020.

What’s Next for Federer?

Federer, now 44, continues to explore business ventures and other opportunities beyond tennis. He recently talked about the excitement of watching his children play the game and supporting their interests. As for a singles comeback, only time will tell.

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