Roger Federer made his return to the Australian Open this week.
The Swiss legend is expected to take part in an exhibition match alongside ATP legends Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt and Patrick Rafter at the opening ceremony, which will take place on January 17, the day before the main draw begins.
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Before the match, six-time Australian Open champion Federer took to the practice courts with world number 13 Casper Ruud.
The two played a tie-break on the Rod Laver Arena, which ultimately went in favor of the 44-year-old.
Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images
Roger Federer defeats Casper Ruud in practice tiebreak
Federer beat Ruud in the shootout 7-2 in front of a packed crowd, proving he still has it.
In an article on Instagram after the session, the Norwegian uploaded a photo of the two standing together with the caption: “Best practice partner in a while.”
Federer’s last tour-level clash at the Australian Open was in 2020, two years before his retirement from tennis.
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That year, he reached the semi-finals of the first Grand Slam of the year, but fell to his long-time rival Novak Djokovic.
Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images
Casper Ruud’s first opponent at the Australian Open
Ruud has had a poor start to the 2026 season on the ATP Tour, having started his campaign with one win and two losses.
He had a victory at the United Cup against Alex de Minaur, but was beaten by Jakub Mensik in Norway’s draw with Czechia.
Then, at the ASB Classic, he crashed out of the tournament in his opening match against Fabian Marozsan, losing to the Hungarian in straight sets.
Ruud’s first opponent will be Mattia Bellucci, who he has never faced before on the circuit.
