The year is 2026, and the scene at Rod Laver Arena felt like a fever dream for anyone who grew up watching the golden era of the sport. For the first time since 2020, Roger Federer stepped onto the blue hard courts of Melbourne,

Novak Djokovic stepped onto Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday for his first practice session of the Australian Open, drawing thousands eager to watch the 10-time champion find his rhythm. The crowd expected a familiar tune as he prepared his bid for a record-extending 25th major.