By Richard Pagliaro Friday, January 16, 2026
Photo credit: Antoine Couvertcelle/ROLEX
roger federer Call the Australian Open the “Happy Slam.”
Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Federer brought a joyful atmosphere to Rod Laver Arena earlier today.
Federer practices with World No. 13 Casper Rudd The two then had a decider match in front of a packed house at Rod Laver Arena.
The match comes nearly seven years after their only ATP Tour meeting, when Federer defeated Rudd 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(8) at the 2019 French Open.
Watch Federer nail a serve-and-volley against Rudd, then surprise the three-time Grand Slam finalist with a clean backhand return winner around the 3:25 mark in the video below.
Federer, 44, looked fit and focused, wasting no time in the match.
Federer has been active around Melbourne Park this week.
The Swiss master will join other Grand Slam champions Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt and Patrick Rafter The Australian Open “Battle of One” exhibition match will be held tomorrow night (Saturday, January 17).
The game will be preceded by a performance by a beloved band crowded house Performing at the AO Opening Ceremony on Saturday, January 17th.
Here is a detailed introduction to Federer’s training sessions: Rolex official photographer Antoine Couvertcelle:
All photos: Antoine Couvertcelle/ROLEX
The Swiss maestro still had the strings playing nearly nine years after beating rival Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in the 2017 AO final, as Federer played some exciting and almost raw tennis in the fifth set.
In the aftermath of that match, Federer received the trophy from one of his tennis heroes, Rolex ambassador Rocket Rod Laver.
Photo credit: Jon Buckle/Rolex
The moment still resonates with Federer, who wore a Rolex during his on-court match against Rudd and shared the importance of the butterfly in this thrilling AO victory.
“There’s a lot to look forward to at the Australian Open,” Federer said today. “Melbourne is a great sporting city; Melbourne Park is a fantastic tennis venue and Rod Laver Arena is iconic.
“The Rolex Sky-Dweller I received after winning the competition in 2017 is the watch that has the most sentimental value to me. It had a butterfly engraved on the back because I mentioned there were butterflies before the final, so it’s a special message from the Rolex family.”
