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Roger Federer Returns to Australian Open Court vs Casper Ruud as Djokovic Watches From Sidelines

On Friday, Roger Federer, 44-year-old Swiss former world No 1, played an exhibition at Rod Laver Arena, defeating world No 12 Casper Ruud 7-2 in a practice tie-break.
Planned as practice for Saturday's opening ceremony, the match featured Federer making his first Australian Open appearance in six years alongside former world No 1s Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt.
On the court Federer produced a signature one-handed backhand return winner during the 7-2 tiebreak, watched by Novak Djokovic, with Ruud calling him `Best practice partner in a while`.
A massive crowd turned out at Rod Laver Arena, rekindling nostalgia and boosting fan excitement around the Australian Open's opening events.
Federer says he now only plays tennis `time to time` as his four kids are the `priority`, and his last competitive singles match was a 2021 defeat to Hubert Hurkacz after knee surgeries.

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WA today

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The Age

Center

The three moments that show 44-year-old Roger Federer has still got it

Roger Federer played some insane shots in the tiebreak against Casper Ruud, six years after his last appearance at Melbourne Park.

6 hours ago·Northbridge, Australia

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La Tercera

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With 44 Years of Age and the Talent Intact: Federer Beats Casper Ruud in an Exhibition Tie-Break and Is Ovationed in Australia

Roger Federer announced his retirement from professional tennis in September 2022, ending a 24-year race on the circuit. The Swiss fired with 103 ATP titles and 310 weeks as number one in the world (237 consecutive).The decision of his retirement was marked by repeated injuries to the right knee, which removed him from the high-level competition during his last seasons.

9 hours ago·Chile

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Sydney Morning Herald

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Brisbane Times

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The Australian Open 2026 edition

13 hours ago·Sydney, Australia

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Marca

Center

Federer's talent does not expire: he beats Ruud in a tie-break at the age of 44

Roger Federer, whose retirement was hastened by a knee injury, does not have the resume or records of Novak Djokovic. But his talent is second to none. The Swiss returned to Melbou

16 hours ago·Barcelona, Spain

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Il Fatto Quotidiano

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Roger Federer Enchants Everyone at the Australian Open

The time for Roger Federer never seems to pass. Four years after his retirement (the last official match dates back to 2021), the Swiss champion trained with Casper Ruud at the Australian Open and the two then closed the session with a tiebreak, won by Federer for 7-2. And that's where the Swiss champion showed all his tennis repertoire: stylistically it's still beautiful to see, the unique timing with which he hits the ball is always the same.

16 hours ago·Rome, Italy

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NDTV

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Federer Practises With Ruud Ahead Of Exhibition Match At Australian Open

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.

18 hours ago·New Delhi, India

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