Roger Federer dazzles on Australian Open return, defeats Casper Ruud in exhibition tie-break

Roger Federer delighted his legion of fans in Australia by having his farewell finally after he was denied after his 2022 retirement and he showed that he very much still has the tools in the locker to thrill.

Federer defeated Casper Ruud 7-2 in an exhibition tie-break and produced some of the shots that made him famous including and best of all the trademark backhand down the line.

The 44-year-old was making his first appearance at the Australian Open in six years having retired from the sport in 2022 and will be playing again very soon indeed. He will play on Saturday night with Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt on Rod Laver Arena.

He practiced with Ruud and also played a tie-break against the Norwegian as he came out on top 7-2 as he took on Ruud's serve and played his one-handed backhand down the line for a return winner.

"Doubles tomorrow, so I hope people are going to be watching. Maybe it’s going to be fun. I’m really looking forward to playing with Andre, Leighton and Pat – guys I have so much history with," said Federer on court.

"Normally we’d be talking, “How’s your form?” – same interview as you would do with Casper – but now it doesn’t matter, my form. But I’m very happy with how I’m striking the ball.

"It was such a privilege to be back out on Rod Laver Arena. They asked me, “Do you want to practise before?” I was like, “Yeah, sure.” “How about Rod Laver Arena?” I was like, “Rod Laver Arena? OK.”

They said, “Is the stadium open or closed?” They were like, “We would open it.” I’m like, “Oh no.” OK – so thank you for coming out and making it very, very special for me. It means a lot."

But while he thrilled his fans, he won't be getting a wildcard for the main event after being asked if he would play. "No, no, no, no. I’m not here to play. My calf is twitchy. The body is not ready. My mind’s not ready. And I’m just loving Melbourne for what it is.

"It’s just nice to come back down here after so many years and just have fun. Family came, my parents came too. So it’s a trip down memory lane and a bit of nostalgia for us."

Speaking of nostalgia, he also reflected on his great career in Melbourne. "I’ve had so many great moments, great years here. I came here ever since 1998 for the juniors pretty much every year until I retired six years ago here on this court against Novak.

"Then I tried to play a bit more, but it’s just so nice to be back here down in Australia. Nice to come down for a holiday."

"I’ve had a lot of friends down here in Melbourne, so it’s nice to catch up. Because one of the big things that sort of drops away when you retire is that you all of a sudden miss your friends from New York, from Paris, maybe around Wimbledon, and then also here in Melbourne.

"That’s part of the reason why I’m here as well – to see the likes of Craig Tiley and the team here at the Australian Open, because we have friendships that go back a very long time.

"It’s not just the fans and the city itself, but everybody who makes it work behind the scenes as well. That’s why I try to go to tournaments and go see them, because before it was a given that I was always going to come.

"Australia has always been special to me, and it’s not around the corner, so you’ve got to plan a little bit ahead. I’m happy that we decided to come down this year, and hopefully come back again soon – not just again in five or six years or in ten years. I hope it’s going to be sooner."

But what is his one special memory in Australia? "I guess the 2017 Nadal final – how can we forget that one? One of my most special matches in my life.

"I also became world number one here for the very first time when I beat Juan Carlos Ferrero here in 2004. That’s another life ago, but it was obviously very special in my career to make it to world number one.

"I’ve had Davis Cup matches here, night sessions, day sessions, some blowout wins, some tough losses. I’ve had it all. The fans have always been behind me, always supported me, and I felt at home here. So it’s been an absolute privilege to be here over the years."