Melbourne Park felt a little more luminous this January—not because of the summer sun, but because Roger Federer was back. The Swiss maestro, retired since 2022, returned to the Australian Open in 2026 not as a competitor, but as a father, husband, and living legend—revisiting the courts where he etched his name into tennis history seven times .
Accompanied by his wife Mirka and their four children—Myla, Charlene, Leo, and Lennart—Federer’s visit was equal parts nostalgic and deeply personal. In candid conversations with fans and media, he opened up about watching old match clips, the weight of legacy, and the simple joy of seeing his kids treat his gleaming Norman Brookes Challenge Cup like a toy. It was a rare glimpse into the man behind the myth—and a reminder that even icons cherish quiet family moments most.
Table of Contents
- A Family Pilgrimage to Melbourne Park
- Roger Federer Australian Open: A Legacy of Seven
- When the Trophy Becomes a Toy
- The Exhibition Match: One Last Dance
- Mirka: The Quiet Force Behind the Champion
- Conclusion: More Than a Champion, a Father
- Sources
A Family Pilgrimage to Melbourne Park
For Federer, the Australian Open wasn’t just another Grand Slam—it was a second home. From his first title in 2004 to his dramatic five-set win over Rafael Nadal in 2017, Melbourne witnessed his evolution from prodigy to patriarch of the sport. This year, he brought his entire family to walk those hallowed grounds together.
“It’s special to be here with them,” Federer said, gesturing to his children. “They’ve heard stories, seen videos, but now they can feel it—the energy, the history. It’s real for them now” .
The visit wasn’t just sentimental; it was educational. Federer showed his kids where he served his famous ace in the 2018 final, where he collapsed in relief after beating Nadal, and even where he once tripped during a changeover (much to their amusement).
Roger Federer Australian Open: A Legacy of Seven
With seven Australian Open titles (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018), Federer is tied with Novak Djokovic for the most men’s singles crowns in Melbourne. But beyond the stats, it’s the *moments* that define his connection to the tournament:
- 2004: His first AO title, announcing his arrival as a dominant force.
- 2017: The epic comeback against Nadal after injury, hailed as one of the greatest matches ever.
- 2018: Winning without dropping a set—a masterclass in efficiency at age 36.
Federer admitted he recently rewatched the 2017 final with his kids. “I cried a little,” he confessed. “Not just because we won, but because of everything we’d been through.”
When the Trophy Becomes a Toy
In one of the most endearing images of the trip, Federer’s twin daughters were photographed playfully holding his Norman Brookes Challenge Cup like a dollhouse accessory. To them, it wasn’t a symbol of global dominance—it was Dad’s shiny thing.
“They asked if they could put their stuffed animals on it,” Federer laughed. “I said, ‘Of course!’ Why not? Trophies are meant to be shared, not locked away.”
This humility—this willingness to let his legacy be touched, played with, and humanized—is what makes Federer so beloved long after his last serve.
The Exhibition Match: One Last Dance
Federer didn’t just spectate. As part of the AO Legends event, he played a lighthearted exhibition match against fellow retiree Andy Roddick. Though purely for fun, the crowd roared with every slice backhand and vintage forehand.
“I’m not trying to prove anything,” Federer said afterward. “I just wanted to give the fans one more memory. They’ve given me so much.”
For many in attendance, it was a bittersweet farewell—a final bow from a player who redefined grace in sport.
Mirka: The Quiet Force Behind the Champion
Throughout the visit, Mirka Federer stood beside her husband—not as a spectator, but as an equal partner in his journey. A former Olympic tennis player herself, Mirka has been Federer’s rock through injuries, comebacks, and retirement.
“She’s the reason I could focus on tennis,” Federer has often said. In Melbourne, she was seen guiding the kids, whispering encouragement, and smiling as her husband relived his past. Their partnership remains one of sport’s most enduring love stories.
For insights into the role of family in elite athletic careers, the International Olympic Committee highlights how support systems like Mirka’s are critical to sustained success.
Conclusion: More Than a Champion, a Father
Roger Federer’s 2026 Australian Open return wasn’t about records or rivalries. It was about passing the torch—not to another player, but to his children. By sharing his triumphs, his tears, and even his trophy as a toy, he showed that true legacy isn’t measured in titles, but in the moments you create with those you love. Melbourne didn’t just welcome back a champion; it witnessed the heart of a family—and that, perhaps, is the most beautiful victory of all.
Sources
- Times of India: Roger Federer revisits Australian Open glory with wife Mirka and kids
- Australian Open Official Archives: Federer Title History
- International Olympic Committee – Athlete Family Support Programs