The Australian Open tennis wants to innovate. Like the Olympic Games, the first Grand Slam of the year will introduce an opening ceremony, to which legends like Roger Federer will be invited, who will inaugurate this new tradition on January 17, the eve of the start of the tournament.
“Launching the first Grand Slam of the year, this special event will be an opportunity to pay tribute to the great champions who have shaped tennis, the passionate fans they have inspired and the incredible legacy they continue to build,” explains the Australian Open organization in a press release.
Roger Federer, six times crowned in Melbourne, will therefore be the star guest of the first edition of this opening ceremony, before the main draw matches (January 18-February 1). The 44-year-old Swiss will be surrounded by other tennis stars to play a match between former world number ones. André Agassi, four-time winner of the tournament, and Australians Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt will be present.
“It seems like an eternity since I coined the expression Happy Slam (Grand Slam of Happiness) for the Australian Open, and it always makes me smile when I think about all the moments I have experienced here, said Roger Federer, quoted in the press release. I experienced so many emotions at Rod Laver Arena: the joy of lifting the trophy six times, the honor of playing in front of Rod Laver himself, the challenge of competing against my greatest opponents, and always the unconditional love and support of the Australian fans. »
