Roger Federer Announces Shock Return to Tennis at 44

20-time tennis Grand Slam winner Roger Federer has announced his return to the sport three years after retiring from tennis.

Federer, 44, is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, having won the third-most majors of all time, behind Novak Djokovic (24) and Rafael Nadal (22).

The 44-year-old, who spent a total of 310 weeks as world number one, called time on his professional career back in 2022 after teaming up with Nadal at the Laver Cup.

The pair were visibly emotional as they hugged each other while fans chanted the Swiss’ name at the 02 Arena.

In all, Federer played in 1,750 matches across singles and doubles.

However, he is set to return to the court once more at the 2026 Australian Open, with three former world number ones also set to take part.

The six-time Australian Open winner will take part in an exhibition match at Melbourne Park in 2026, with eight-time major winner Andre Agassi, two-time US Open winner Patrick Rafter, and two-time major winner Lleyton Hewitt set to join him on January 17.

The match is part of the tournament’s inaugural Open Ceremony ahead of the major getting underway the following day on January 18.

Announcing the news on social media, Federer said: “It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the phrase the ‘Happy Slam’ for the Australian Open, and it still makes me smile when I think about all the moments I’ve had here.

“I’ve experienced so many emotions on Rod Laver Arena … the joy of lifting ‘Norman’ six times, the honour 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 memories, and backing it up to win in 2018 was another dream come true in Melbourne. I can’t wait to come Down Under again to the AO and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans.”

Tournament bosses have also introduced 1 Point Slam during Open Week, with world number one Carlos Alcaraz set to take part in a 48-player event consisting of competitors including professionals, amateurs, and even celebrity wildcards, with the winner pocketing a prize of $1million.