Roger Federer still has a presence that commands global attention.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion returned to the Australian Open on Thursday and was quick to note that much about the ‘Happy Slam’ – a phrase he originally coined – and his own life has changed since he last competed in Melbourne in 2020.
Federer’s pedigree, however, is not among those things, and even reporters who weren’t assigned to cover his “nostalgic trip” Down Under sat in on a media gathering to listen to the Swiss legend.
“I’m a little nervous,” admitted the 44-year-old as he casually greeted the press.
“To be honest, I haven’t done this whole press conference thing anymore.”
Federer will headline the inaugural AO 2026 Opening Ceremony on Saturday night before the main draw begins on Sunday, and join Pat Rafter, Andre Agassi and Lleyton Hewitt in a Battle of World No.1s hit out.
The occasion will double as an opportunity for fans to belatedly farewell the highly-respected icon, who never said a formal goodbye to Melbourne Park.
Federer reached the semifinals of AO 2020, losing in straight sets to Novak Djokovoic, and didn’t come back before calling time on his historic 24-year playing career in 2022.
“I feel good to rip the band-aid off and show up on a big court like here at Rod Laver Arena. I get out there because it’s too easy and too convenient just to stay home and say I don’t need to do it,” Federer said.
“I’m happy there’s a moment for the crowd, for me personally, but then also just being on the court with Lleyton that I share so much with, Pat that I always loved playing against – even though I never beat him. He was one of my favourite players. And then Andre, I was fortunate to play against him 10 times or so. Just being together with those guys is going to make me feel better as well.”
Federer said his children and parents have joined him for what will be a week-long trip down memory lane.
The father of four is known for being openly emotional, but maintained his composure on Thursday when asked which of his six Australian Open titles (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018) was the most memorable. He recalled the 2017 men’s singles final against long-time rival Rafael Nadal, a five-setter that he entered off the back of a six-month injury layoff and uncertain form.
“It was surreal. I came here with no expectations; I was maybe going to be happy with the quarters,” Federer said.
“I knew I had a tough draw, I knew I had to go through some big guys to even get anywhere close to winning. And then I think the way the finals played out makes it one of the most special ones I’ve ever had.”
Federer remains the consummate professional. He took two years to fully adjust to life off the court, following a farewell at Laver Cup alongside Nadal, and has no regrets.
“The way my end unfolded with injuries and playing less, I got a sense of how it’s going to be without any matches and practice sessions. I was really super ready for retirement, so when it happened it was a relief,” he said.
“I was just like I don’t have to play along with the media. Not tell lies but like, ‘How are you feeling? I feel great,’ and oh my God I feel terrible. My parents calling me and saying, ‘When are you going to announce it? Your Godfather is asking me how are you feeling, and I know how you’re feeling, but can I tell him, because it might leak.’ These things, you’re just happy when it’s all sorted out.
“I achieved way more than I ever thought I would. It’s been so much fun. It’s been a dream, truly. If I would have won half of what I’d done, I’d be equally proud sitting here.”
Federer still clearly keeps tabs on the game, however, recalling the Paris Olympics and last year’s French Open vividly.
When asked for tips on AO 2026, he did not offer names but did provide a glimpse into the mindset that no doubt made him an international sporting champion. Asked if Brazilian João Fonseca could become the third man in the men’s singles hierarchy, joining Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Federer was quick to counter.
“You don’t want to be third guy, you want to be the guy,” he said. “That’s hopefully what he’s thinking.
“Like in our time when people said, ‘I’m going to try win the Australian Open’ but, you know, there’s all the other legends in the room, sometimes I felt the media didn’t allow them to speak up,” Federer continued.
“I feel like anybody in the draw should come here and say, ‘I want to win the Australian Open.’ It should be totally allowed.
“There’s favourites, obviously, but once the draw is out every player shifts their view to that one player and nothing else. You enter the zone, okay, the next three, four days, however long you have before, that first round starts mattering clearly. Momentum shifts towards the first round, and then it’s point for point mentality.
“That’s what it is.”