What a fitting farewell to Melbourne Park. At one of his most beloved stages, Roger Federer returned for an Australian Open exhibition, teaming up with Andre Agassi to face home favorites Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter. However, as the pace intensified and Agassi struggled to keep up, the moment took an unexpected turn, with a former Australian Open champion, Ashleigh Barty, stepping in to rescue the spectacle and delight the crowd.

The four tennis legends were mic’d up on Rod Laver Arena for a light-hearted exhibition. The atmosphere was relaxed and full of laughter. Andre Agassi was the most vocal, cracking jokes throughout the match and keeping the crowd entertained.

Agassi showed little interest in rushing the net. That choice did not help his partnership with Roger Federer. The Australian duo of Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter kept the pressure on and matched them shot for shot.

As the match unfolded, Agassi sensed he was slowing his team down. With the score level at one set all, he decided to take matters into his own hands. The American suddenly called for a substitution mid-match.

“Hold up,” said Agassi. “There’s only one chance of you winning out here today, if we can find another Aussie in this joint to come out here.” He then teased the crowd further. “Is there, by chance, another Aussie Open winner in here? An Ash Barty by chance?”

He followed it with another call. “Ash, you better be here.” The crowd noise instantly rose as cameras searched the stands. Moments later, three-time Grand Slam champion Ash Barty appeared and walked onto the court.

The reaction was electric inside Rod Laver Arena. Barty soaked in the applause and smiled. “I’m back!” she exclaimed. “How good is this? I’ve got the best partner ever!”

As the match progressed, the contrast in styles became obvious. Andre Agassi joked about staying behind the baseline. Pat Rafter avoided hitting forehands whenever possible. 

The exhibition used a first-to-four format, so the early sets moved quickly. With the Australians taking the opening set, the score stood at 4-2, 2-4, with momentum shifting rapidly between both sides.

The surprise substitution changed everything. The three-person team of Ash Barty, Roger Federer, and Andre Agassi regrouped and fought back strongly. 

They claimed a 2-4, 4-2, 4-2 win in the “Battle of the World No. 1s” doubles match. The decision instantly lifted the energy inside Rod Laver Arena and swung the contest.

Barty, a former World No. 1 and Australian Open champion in 2022, quickly found her rhythm from the baseline. She combined smoothly with Federer to control the rallies. Together, they sealed the third set 4-2. Watching courtside was 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, taking in the moment.

Federer soon noticed Djokovic sitting in the front row. In a touching gesture, he paused the play briefly. The Swiss great walked over and shook hands with the Serbian. It was a moment of mutual respect. 

And as the exhibition ended, Federer shared heartfelt words. The crowd witnessed greatness one last time before the first round began the next day.

Federer reflects emotionally on returning to the Australian Open stage

This marked Roger Federer’s first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2020. He officially retired at the 2022 Laver Cup. The moment carried deep meaning for fans who had waited years to see him return to the Australian Open stage.

Under the lights at Rod Laver Arena, the atmosphere felt special. The crowd settled as four members of the ATP No. 1 Club walked out together. Moments later, they rose again when Rod Laver entered to conduct the coin toss.

Federer, a six-time Australian Open champion, quickly set the tone. He took the microphone and greeted the crowd warmly. “I have missed you and it is great to be back. It’s just where we left off, so many memories and nice to dive back into it.”

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The exhibition brought smiles, nostalgia, and loud applause. The Swiss legend looked comfortable on court. The connection between Federer and the Melbourne crowd felt unchanged despite the passing years.

Federer won six of his 20 Grand Slam titles at Rod Laver Arena. His final Australian Open triumph came in 2018 when he defeated Marin Čilić in straight sets. That victory became the last major title of his legendary career.

His previous Melbourne appearance came in 2020. Federer reached the semifinals that year. He was stopped by Novak Djokovic, who went on to win the tournament. It marked the end of Federer’s competitive run in Australia.

After the match, Federer shared his emotions. “It was beautiful,” Federer said after. “It was fantastic. I couldn’t be any happier.” His words reflected joy rather than farewell.

He spoke about the meaning of the moment. “Just being back in Melbourne with my friends, legends, rivals, is always a thrill,” he said. “I am a big historian of the game and looked back at who has paved the way for us.”

With Federer now bidding goodbye to Melbourne Park, he leaves behind lasting memories. His era is sealed in history. 

And as the Australian Open begins tomorrow, the spotlight shifts forward. The world now watches the rise of a new generation.