Anthony Albanese ‘cosying up’ to Peter Costello at the Australian Open upsets Twitter

Tennis, or at least the front row seats at a Grand Slam, brought together two old political rivals, and left-wing Twitter users are seeing red.

A photo of Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sitting next to former Liberal treasurer Peter Costello at the women’s final of the Australian Open on Saturday night in Melbourne sparked the ire of the prime minister’s supporters on the social media platform.

Mr. Albanese and Mr. Costello looked very relaxed in each other’s company as they watched Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka win her maiden Grand Slam against Elena Rybakina.

Costello and Albanese appear to be having a serious conversation during the Australian Open women’s final

Twitter users were anything but relaxed about the situation.

“Reports of Albo flirting with Peter Costello in tennis make me feel really uncomfortable,” one wrote.

“Look, I’m freaking out because I was sitting next to Peter Costello,” said another candidly.

Twitter users were quick to express their discontent to see the Prime Minister sitting down with an old political foe.

‘Did you know? I’m not surprised. She makes me feel more than uncomfortable; he makes me nauseous,” said another.

“Your skin would crawl,” wrote another.

Many go back to an old quote from Mr Albanese that he likes to ‘fight the Tories’. That’s what I do.’

‘Albo sitting with Peter Costello at tennis. I guess this is what the fight against the Tories looks like. one Twitter user sarcastically noted.

The premier proved himself a dedicated tennis fan when he attended the Australian Open for three nights, including Sunday night’s final, where he was photographed between his partner Jodie Haydon (left) and Tennis Australia president Jayne Hrdlicka.

Costello returned to tennis on Sunday night, but this time sitting with the leader of the opposition, Peter Dutton.

Some were quick to read the political significance in the seating arrangement.

“More proof that Labor has gone LNP lite… Also, why was Albo sitting next to Peter Costello in the women’s tennis final?” one wrote.

Some tried to rationalize the Albanese’s actions.

“My mom always said ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.’ I like to think this is what she’s doing,” wrote one Twitter user.

Mr. Albanese enjoys a beer with Ms. Hrdlicka (centre) at the Australian Open on Friday night for the men’s semi-final.

Several people pointed out that Costello, who was treasurer during the Howard administration from 1996 to 2007, still holds important positions, including president of the Australian Open Nine broadcaster and also of the publicly owned Futures Fund.

Mr. Albanese, who is a social tennis enthusiast, returned to the Australian Open on Sunday night for the men’s final along with his partner Jodie Haydon.

Costello also returned, but this time he sat next to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, while Albanese was flanked by Tennis Australia President and Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka.

It was the third night that Mr. Albanese had taken his place in the Rod Laver stands, as he also attended the men’s semi-final between American Tommy Paul and eventual tournament winner Novak Djokovic on Friday night.