The ATP No. 1 Club members, including Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, Patrick Rafter, and Ashleigh Barty, lit up the Australian Open ceremony with a fun exhibition doubles match. The event took place on January 17, 2026, at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. The crowd was treated to a lively display of tennis as the players showcased their skills and shared laughter. Federer, a six-time AO champion, set the tone for the evening with his charismatic greeting, expressing his joy at being back and reconnecting with the fans.
The match began with Hewitt serving, and the crowd cheered as he and Federer demonstrated their prowess. Agassi, known for his baseline game, joked about staying behind the line, while Rafter actively avoided hitting forehands. The contrast in playing styles was evident as the match progressed, with the Australians winning the first set. As the match reached its climax, Barty replaced Agassi, and her return to the court was met with a warm reception. She and Federer combined to win the third set, leaving the crowd in awe.
Federer, a tennis historian, expressed his excitement about the event, highlighting its significance for the sport. Agassi, Hewitt, and Rafter have all achieved notable success at the Australian Open, with Agassi winning four times, Hewitt reaching the title match in 2005, and Rafter advancing to the semi-finals in 2001. The tournament continues on Sunday, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the two-time defending champion, set to take center stage.
