Retired Roger Federer beats world No.12 at Australian Open despite 17-year age gap

Roger Federer rolled back the years to prove age is just a number as he dominated Casper Ruud in a practice session at the Australian Open.

The 44-year-old returned to the court on Friday – almost four years on from his retirement in September 2022 – to take part in a friendly tiebreak clash.

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Federer last competed in Melbourne in 2020 where he enjoyed a run to the semi-finals in what was his final last-four Grand Slam appearance.

And he put on a show for his adoring fans, who saw him scoop six titles at Rod Laver Arena from between 2004-2018.

The Swiss legend enjoyed a battle with world No.12 and four-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud in a race to seven points.

There may be a 17-year age difference between the two men, but it was Federer who showed he remains as classy as ever.

Roger that

He romped to a 7-2 win in the one-off tiebreak – wowing the spectators who cheered on his every point.

And they were treated to classic Federer shots, with winners including a serve and volley, a cross-court forehand and a one-handed backhand serve return down the baseline.

Ruud was quick to take to social media to share his experience of playing against the legend.

In an Instagram post showing the two together, he simply stated: “Best practice partner in a while.”

Federer will once again return to the court on Friday to take part in an exhibition match alongside three other former world number ones.

Dubbed the ‘Battle of the World No.1s’, the 20-time Grand Slam winner will play with American great Andre Agassi and Aussie heroes Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter.

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The match – which headlines the inaugural AO 2026 Opening Ceremony – represents Federer’s long-awaited opportunity to say goodbye to his Australian fans.

He said of the occasion: “It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the phrase the ‘Happy Slam’ for the Australian Open.

“And it still makes me smile when I think about all the moments I’ve had here.

“I’ve experienced so many emotions on Rod Laver Arena – the joy of lifting ‘Norman’ six times, the honour of playing in front of Rod Laver himself, the challenge of competing against my biggest rivals, and always the overwhelming love and support of the Australian fans.

“Coming back to win the Australian Open in 2017 is one of my most treasured Grand Slam memories and backing it up to win in 2018 was another dream come true in Melbourne.

“I can’t wait to come down under again and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans.”

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Discussing his exhibition clash, he remarked: “I feel good to rip the band-aid off and show up on a big court like Rod Laver Arena.

“I need to get out there, because it’s too easy and too convenient just to stay home,’ Federer told reporters.

“For me personally, being on the court with Lleyton will be great, and Pat, who I always loved playing against – even though I never beat him. He was one of my favourite players. 

“And then Andre, I was fortunate to play against him ten times or so. Just being together with those guys is going to be amazing.”