Roger Federer set for on-court return as | Sports News

More than three years since stepping away from skilled tennis, Roger Federer is set to make an official return to the match court docket subsequent month on the Australian Open. The Swiss legend hasn’t been seen at Melbourne Park since 2020, when he was ranked No. 3 globally and superior to the semi-finals.

That match marked Federer‘s closing look earlier than present process a collection of knee operations that pressured him to cancel the rest of his season. The 20-time Grand Slam winner tried a short-lived comeback in 2021 however ultimately introduced his illustrious profession to a close on the 2022 Laver Cup. Now, he is making ready to step back onto the court docket — and return to the Australian Open — earlier than subsequent month’s competitors kicks off.

Federer is scheduled to take part within the first-ever Australian Open Opening Ceremony on Saturday, January 17 — simply in the future earlier than the primary draw begins. The Opening Ceremony “provides an opportunity to celebrate the great champions who have shaped tennis, the passionate fan bases they’ve inspired, and the incredible legacies they continue to build.” Meanwhile, Coco Gauff’s sponsor has inked an eye-popping $500 million deal with the WTA Tour.

It will mark Federer’s first go to to Australia since retirement, giving the six-time Australian Open winner a probability to bid farewell to his Australian supporters. The 44-year-old will return to competitors for the Battle of the World No. 1s,” joining Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt for a thrilling exhibition match.

Reflecting on his return, the former world No. 1 shared: “It looks like a lifetime in the past that I coined the phrase the ‘Happy Slam’ for the Australian Open, and it nonetheless makes me smile after I take into consideration all of the moments I’ve had right here.

“I’ve experienced so many emotions on Rod Laver Arena … the joy of lifting ‘Norman’ six times, the honor of playing in front of Rod Laver himself, the challenge of competing against my biggest rivals, and always the overwhelming love and support of the Australian fans.

“Coming back to win the AO in 2017 is one of my most treasured Grand Slam reminiscences and backing it up to win in 2018 was one other dream come true in Melbourne. I can not wait to return down beneath again to the AO and create more unbelievable moments with all of the Aussie followers.”

Since retiring, Federer has made select appearances at Wimbledon, the Laver Cup, Halle, and the Shanghai Masters. As an ambassador for the Shanghai Masters, the Swiss star has participated in a few celebrity exhibition matches, though these have been brief tiebreakers.

Upon announcing Federer’s return at the new Opening Ceremony, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley expressed: “I’m thrilled we’re introducing this very particular AO Opening Ceremony.

“While the AO has a reputation for innovation and is renowned for pushing the boundaries, we are also the custodians of a proud 120-year history filled with some of the sport’s greatest champions.

“This inaugural Opening Ceremony will mark the beginning of a new tennis season in spectacular fashion. I can not wait to see Roger back on Rod Laver Arena, together with different greats of the sport Andre, Pat and Lleyton. And I do know followers throughout Australia will likely be simply as excited to share this second with him.”