Novak Djokovic Pays the Ultimate Tribute to Roger Federer After Australian Open Retirement Exhibition
Roger Federer's last Australian Open match was a semifinal defeat to Novak Djokovic in 2020.
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Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer (image via Getty)
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It was almost like the fans rewinded the clock to see the past champions play top-tier tennis again. It was the collective gasp of millions of fans watching Roger Federer step back onto the blue courts of Rod Laver Arena.
For the first time since hanging up his racquet in 2022, the Swiss Maestro returned to the Australian Open for the 2026 tournament. But this wasn’t a comeback to the professional tour—it was a celebration of the sport’s golden era. And perhaps the most touching moment wasn’t a forehand winner or a silky serve, but the words coming from his greatest rival: Novak Djokovic.
It was a unique and very different situation for all of us to see him practice with Casper Ruud, something that surprised everyone. He played incredibly well; it was beautiful to watch live. It’s truly a pleasure to watch his tennis live. We all know he’s the most talented and elegant player of all time. Every shot he takes is a symphony, both technically and aesthetically, because of the way he executes it and moves. Even now, in retirement, he looks fantastic.
Novak Djokovic said in his Australian Open press conference (H/T: Punto de Break)
While the exhibition match was fun, the real headlines came from the man who is still dominating the tour. Djokovic, who is busy rewriting the history books himself, took a moment to reflect on what Federer means to the game.
Hearing Djokovic speak this way is fascinating. For years, the narrative was about their friction—the cool, calm Swiss versus the fiery, intense Serb. But now, with the competitive pressure off, Djokovic seems to be appreciating Federer not as an obstacle to a trophy, but as a peer who elevated the entire sport.
Roger Federer Returns to the Australian Open
Tennis hasn’t quite felt the same since Roger Federer retired. Sure, the quality is still sky-high, but that specific brand of effortless grace? That left the building with the Swiss Maestro.
That’s why the Australian Open’s decision to host its first-ever official opening ceremony was a stroke of genius. They didn’t just cut a ribbon; they brought out the heavy hitters. Federer partnered with fellow legend Andre Agassi to take on Aussie icons Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.
It was a hit of pure nostalgia. Seeing Federer float around the court again reminded everyone in Melbourne why he is so beloved. It wasn’t about the scoreline; it was about the artistry. It was a reminder of a time when the “Big Three” were just getting started, and the rivalries were fresh.
Chasing History: Novak Djokovic Joins the 100 Club
The timing of Roger Federer’s return couldn’t have been more poetic. While the Swiss icon was entertaining the crowd with exhibition shots, Novak Djokovic was busy grinding out another milestone on the very same courts.
During the tournament, Djokovic secured his 100th match win at the Australian Open. This is a ludicrous statistic. To put it in perspective, winning a Grand Slam requires seven matches. To hit 100 wins at a single major is a testament to longevity and dominance that is hard to comprehend.
By hitting this milestone, Djokovic joined an incredibly exclusive club—one that includes Federer. It’s fitting that as the Swiss legend returned to take a bow, Djokovic was there to match yet another one of his records. Their careers are forever intertwined, even when only one of them is still playing for points.
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