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Australian Open announcement has tennis fans absolutely delighted

Originally posted on HITC | By Cameron Greenlees | Last updated Dec 12, 2025 10:02 AM ET

The first Grand Slam of 2026 is fast approaching, and anticipation is building across the tennis world.

Last year’s Australian Open saw Jannik Sinner defend his title while Madison Keys secured her first career major.

Sinner lost just two sets on his way to another victory in Melbourne, and he now has the chance to become just the second man in the Open Era to win three straight titles at the tournament, following in Novak Djokovic’s footsteps.

In the women’s draw, Keys produced her best Grand Slam run yet, beating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final to lift the trophy inside Rod Laver Arena.

This year’s event promises plenty of excitement again, especially with Roger Federer making a comeback. The six-time champion is set to return after four years away from Grand Slam competition.

Roger Federer’s Australian Open comeback gets fans talking

Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

Federer will be heading to Melbourne for the first-ever Australian Open opening ceremony, and he’ll also take part in the ‘Battle of the World No.1s’ exhibition match. Joining him in that event are Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.

Fans reacted quickly on social media. One posted on X: “The GOAT is coming back to the Australian Open.”

Another said: “I haven’t genuinely been happy about something in a while. Now I have to figure out how long he’s here and what his public appearances are.”

“I’m so happy I’m crying,” read one reply, while another added: “This is really amazing to see.”

Federer shares his thoughts on being part of the Australian Open opener

“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,” Federer told those behind the Grand Slam event.

He continued: “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 Aussie fans.”

After nearly five years without a major title, Federer ended that drought by beating Rafael Nadal at Melbourne Park. That match is still talked about as one of tennis’ great finals.

He returned just one year later and successfully defended his title by defeating Marin Cilic in another memorable final. That victory would be Federer’s last major triumph.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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