Story byPhoto by Shi Tang/Getty ImagesCameron GreenleesSun, January 18, 2026 at 2:48 PM UTC·3 min readRoger Federer looked right at home back on Rod Laver Arena, taking a practice tiebreak against Casper Ruud ahead of the Australian Open. Federer returned to Melbourne for the tournament’s opening ceremony, where he took part in an exhibition match alongside Patrick Rafter, Andre Agassi, and Lleyton Hewitt. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe day before that event, Federer joined Ruud on centre court for a seven-point tiebreak in front of an eager crowd. Despite it being just a short practice session, the Swiss legend came out on top with a 7–2 win. But Serena Williams’ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, played down the result. Patrick Mouratoglou shares his thoughts on Roger Federer at 44Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty ImagesPosting on Instagram, Mouratoglou said: “I’ve always been a huge Federer fan, because of the way he plays tennis.“I don’t think anyone in the history has played such unbelievable tennis, so to see him play again is just an unbelievable pleasure.“He doesn’t lose anything from his tennis, of course. He will never because I think you don’t lose your tennis. Federer when he’ll be 80 years old is going to still hit the ball the same way. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“The fans want to make that story that Roger can beat the Casper [Ruud] on a tie break.