Retired grandpa? Watch your language - he just knocked out the 13th player in the world

Sometimes, it takes just one glimpse of Roger Federer to set the entire tennis world buzzing.

For years, he was the most beloved prince of a spotless sport - and even now, long after retirement, the spell still works.

More than three years have passed since the 44-year-old Swiss maestro laid down his racquet, yet crowds still gravitate toward him instinctively. Even when he simply steps onto the court again - if only for a moment.

As Melbourne puts the finishing touches on the Australian Open, Federer arrived not as a contender, but as a guest. Still, temptation proved too strong. He picked up a racquet, walked onto the court, and reminded everyone why his presence alone still feels like an event.

In a fast-paced exhibition, Federer faced world No. 13 Casper Ruud and emerged victorious, 7-2. Of course, Ruud wasn't swinging at full throttle - the Grand Slam is just days away - but that hardly mattered. What was the ease, the timing, the familiar elegance?

Amateur stuns the tennis world, beats Sinner and wins Ksh85 million in One Point Slam

Federer showed that time away hasn’t dulled the instinct. For players of that calibre, it’s like riding a bicycle: once you’ve earned your doctorate in tennis, the racquet obeys, and the ball goes where you imagine it should.

And just like that, before a single competitive point has been played at this year's Australian Open, Roger Federer has already stolen the spotlight again.