Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Frances Tiafoe, Australian stars, day 1 results, scores, draws, players, tips, matches, how to watch
In case you missed it, last night the opening ceremony of the Australian Open was held with tennis king Roger Federer at the centre.
For the most part, the choices felt safe but important: Rod Laver’s coin toss; loved-up, trouble-free Aussies Pat Rafter, Ashleigh Barty and Lleyton Hewitt, four-time winner Agassi and a tried-and-tested musical act at Crowded House.
Roger Federer’s star has not dimmed even six years after his last Australian Open as a competitor.Credit: EddieJim
But everyone knew that these names were just a side dish: The main course was Roger Federer.
Tennis’ undefeated trophy king was this year’s ace in the hole.
He came to Melbourne for the last time as a contestant in 2020 and the six-year absence has caused Australian hearts to grow even bigger.
Throughout the afternoon, people walked in wearing his profile and initials on their shirts or posed for photos in front of the AO signs on the concourse, which included “I Heart Roger” cardboard signs.
Read Alexander Darling’s full story here.
