Novak Djokovic weighs in on Roger Federer’s level after Casper Ruud exhibition

Roger Federer’s return to the Australian Open was met with a warm reception, as fans in Melbourne were excited to see him back in action.

The Swiss legend took part in an exhibition during the opening ceremony, joining Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt on the court.

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Melbourne native Ashleigh Barty also made an appearance at the event, adding to the excitement around Rod Laver Arena ahead of the tournament.

Federer later hit with Norwegian star Casper Ruud for a practice tie-break. He took that one 7-2.

Novak Djokovic attended both events and later spoke about Federer’s return and what it means for tennis.

Novak Djokovic says Roger Federer still has it after Australian Open comeback

Djokovic told Sony Sports Network: “It was awesome seeing him again. I think not just speaking for myself, but all the people that were seeing him on that practice court hitting for an hour with Casper Ruud.

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“He’s still got it, he’s always going to have it. I mean, everything looks so perfect, so smooth, as in his best days.

“He’s been around obviously with Laver Cup and he came to watch a few matches in Wimbledon, but I think he hasn’t been in Australia for quite a few years, and it’s great to have him back.”

How Roger Federer’s practice session with Casper Ruud came together

Playing alongside Federer at Rod Laver Arena, Ruud was always going to take a back seat, just as any other player would have.

Fans filled the stands to catch a glimpse of the Swiss great, and he gave them exactly what they came for.

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Explaining how the session came together, Ruud told Tennis Channel: “It was fun, it was just a bit coincidental that it happened.

“I was here. I got in Thursday night, and I was here practicing a bit, and I stopped by the Tennis Australia and Craig [Tiley], the tournament director’s office, and just said hello and good to see the guys again.

“And then just a bit randomly I think Roger had been in like 15 minutes before, and he said, ‘Hey, I want to hit tomorrow at 2-2:30 if I can, or with someone’.

“And then they just asked me if I wanted to do it. I said ‘Yes, of course’. Easy. That’s how it happened. So it was a bit lucky that I was there at the right place at the right time.

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“It was fun. He just wanted an easy hit. I think he’s playing tomorrow the opening ceremony match, and just wanted to feel the ball. And it was really fun.

“Talked about everything from tennis to golf, family life, what it’s like for him now. Tried to ask him what does he do now, or stuff that he does now that he felt like he couldn’t do during his career. And it was fun.”

When questioned about the quality of his groundstrokes, Ruud replied that they were “as flawless as ever.”

Although the Norwegian could have certainly been more aggressive in his approach, the chance to practice against such a high-calibre player – even one aged 44 – would still have been a magnificent experience.

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Currently ranked 13th on the ATP Tour, Ruud is set to face Mattia Bellucci in the opening round of the Australian Open.

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