The 2026 Australian Open will have an Opening Ceremony for the first time in the history of the tournament. Legends like Roger Federer and Andre Agassi will be the stars of the show. Here is all you need to know about the event.

Australian Open will have an Opening Ceremony for the first time in its storied history ahead of the 2026 event and
Swiss Maestro Roger Federer will be taking the court along with some of the greats of the game in what promises to be an exciting night in Melbourne.

The 2026 Australian Open begins Sunday, January 18 but before the action begins, fans will have a curtain-raiser like never seen before.

Here we take a look at all the important details of the inaugural Opening Ceremony at the Australian Open.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADWhen and where is the Australian Open Opening Ceremony?

Australian Open Opening Ceremony takes place on Saturday, January 17 at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. From January 18, the main draw begins.

At what time will the Australian Open Opening Ceremony start?

The Australian Open Opening Ceremony starts 7:00 PM local time which means, Indian fans can start following it from 1:30 PM IST.

What’s special at Australian Open Opening Ceremony?

Exciting events are lined up for tennis fans at the opening ceremony ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam. The event will officially launch the Australian Open 2026 and merges the best of tennis with entertainment to ensure fans following it will have a night to remember.

Tennis legend Federer, who won six times in Melbourne, will take the court for a star-studded ‘Battle of the World No. 1s’. 1995 Australian Open champion Andre Agassi and the greats of Australian tennis Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt will also participate in this doubles clash.

The exhibition match will also present an opportunity for fans to bid farewell to Federer who never said a formal goodbye to Melbourne Park. He last played in Melbourne in 2020 and never returned for a farewell as he retired in 2022.

The event will also feature live music from Crowded House, the iconic Australian rock band group.

Australian Open Opening Ceremony Live Streaming

Indian fans can follow the Australian Open Opening Ceremony live on SonyLIV app and website. On TV, the event can be followed on Sony Sports Network channels.

HomeSportsTennisRoger Federer to headline first ever Australian Open Opening Ceremony with legends set to take courtEnd of Article