ATP Tour
Selfie with the legends: Sabalenka enjoys in Melbourne with Federer and Laver
Federer and Laver watched Sabalenka’s match at the Rod Laver Arena
January 18, 2026
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Aryna Sabalenka competed as Roger Federer and Rod Laver looked on in Melbourne.
by this ATEDIDE ATP
Aryna Sabalenka’s journey at the Australian Open began in stellar fashion this Sunday, with true tennis icons in the stands during her first round match. Among the attendees were figures such as Roger Federer and Rod Laver, giving a special shine to the world No. 1’s debut at Melbourne Park.
They both smiled and enjoyed themselves during the match before becoming unexpected protagonists at the end of the night. With her phone, Sabalenka approached both legends to take a selfie on the perimeter of the court, generating one of the viral moments of the tournament.
That’s one special picture 📸
We are patiently awaiting the result of this selfie, @SabalenkaA 🤳 pic.twitter.com/CXUQi2JgJf
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2026
Sabalenka acknowledged having noticed his presence during the match. “Of course it is! I’m a big fan. The whole match I kept telling myself: ‘don’t look there, please don’t look’. But it’s been incredible. I never imagined that Roger Federer and Rod Laver would sit in the first round and watch my match. That’s incredible.”
Sabalenka is seeking her third Australian Open title in four years, trying to emulate the exploits of the idols who followed her debut this Sunday. Federer lifted the Melbourne trophy six times, while Laver won it twice, one of them during the Open Era.
Federer has made the most of his time in Melbourne. On Saturday he delighted fans in a doubles exhibition match alongside other members of the ATP No. 1 Club such as Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt and Patrick Rafter.
