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Rafael Nadal is expected to return to the Australian Open days after his greatest rival, Roger Federer, returned to Melbourne Park. Federer played an exhibition doubles match with Ash Barty, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, and Pat Rafter as part of the tournament's inaugural opening ceremony on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday. It was his first appearance at the Aussie Open since 2020.

Nadal will now follow in his footsteps, three years after his last appearance at the Aussie Open, when he lost in the second round and picked up an injury that derailed his career. The Spanish star retired during the 2024 Davis Cup Finals and has not been back Down Under since.

But the two-time Australian Open champion will now take part in the AO Night of Legends event with one of his main sponsors, Kia, on men's singles final day. Nadal will be joined by Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott on Kia Arena and is expected to "share stories about his AO journey and legacy."

The 39-year-old recently appeared at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah as part of his role as a Saudi Tennis Ambassador. Nadal also made a sensational return to Roland Garros last year for a special farewell ceremony as the tournament paid tribute to his career and his staggering 14 French Open titles.

Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray turned up for the presentation. And Nadal will now follow in Federer's footsteps by coming to see his Aussie fans again.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner joined forces with Agassi and Barty to beat Aussie duo Hewitt and Rafter 2-4 4-2 4-2 in a star-studded doubles clash on Saturday evening, with old rival Djokovic watching courtside. Federer had not set foot on Rod Laver Arena since losing in the semi-finals here in 2020.

Federer subsequently picked up a knee injury and ended his season, undergoing two operations. He made a short-lived comeback in 2021 but took another hiatus to have a third surgery, and ultimately retired at the 2022 Laver Cup.

Returning to the Aussie Open alongside some fellow retired legends, the 44-year-old told the crowd: "I couldn't be any happier. Just being back in Melbourne with my friends, legends, rivals is always a thrill."

Federer was also spotted in the stands alongside Rod Laver for world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka's opening match on the main stadium court on Sunday evening.