Melbourne, Jan. 16 -- Swiss legend Roger Federer returned to Rod Laver Arena on Friday for the first time since 2020 for a practice session with Casper Ruud, according to ATP.

The Swiss legend, who announced his retirement from professional tennis in 2022, will be back in action to play an exhibition match during the opening ceremony of the Australian Open 2026. He faced Rudd only once in his career.

The 44-year-old Federer clinched six of his 20 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open tournament. The great Tennis player has a 102-15 win-loss record at the event, according to the ATP Infosys Win/Loss Index. Federer last competed in Melbourne in 2020, when he lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

The Opening Cere...