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The withdrawal of flamboyant hometown hope Nick Kyrgios on the eve of the Australian Open might have taken some of the interest out of this year’s event, but whatever star power was missing on the court was made up for in the stands.
A Who’s Who of entertainment stars, business leaders, sports heroes and political elites flocked to Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Sunday to watch Serbian Novak Djokovic defeat Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas to claim his tenth men’s singles title at the Australian Open.
The glamorous event has become the place to be seen for Australia’s most powerful people with regular player tickets fetching $600 through official channels and thousands of online scalpers.
Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe and his partner Britney Theriot relaxed in the stands alongside new Vogue editor Christine Centenera and actress Olivia Dejonge.
another australian star Rachel Griffiths sat courtside with her husband Andy Taylor.
Billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who has been touring Australia, could be seen looking from the front row over Djokovic’s shoulder as the eventual winner sat during breaks between games.
Sports tragic Prime Minister Anthony Albanese watched alongside his partner Jodie Haydon for three nights in a row.
Hollywood actor Russell Crowe (pictured right) attended the Australian Open final with his girlfriend Britney Theriot
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured center right) shows his appreciation for the game flanked by former treasurer Peter Costello (left) and his partner Jodie Haydon (right)
Microsoft founder Bill Gates (pictured center left) watches spellbound at the Open
Rachel Griffiths (pictured left) was also in the stands on Sunday night along with her husband Andy Taylor.
During the women’s final on Saturday, the Labor premier even sat next to his old Liberal rival, Peter Costello, and the two ate Cornetto ice cream together.
The Howard-era political heavyweight who is now Nine’s chairman, sat next to opposition leader Peter Dutton for the men’s final.
Former Morrison government treasurer Josh Fydenberg also enjoyed the action sitting next to Seven CEO Ryan Stokes, son of the network’s chairman Kerry Stokes.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers was also in attendance, while the Crown was represented by Governor General David Hurley.
Host broadcaster Channel Nine had a large staff presence, with Mr. Costello joined by CEO Hugh Marks and on-air personalities Richard Wilkins and Eddie McGuire.
Virgin CEO and Tennis Australia Chairman Jayne Hrdlicka (centre right) whispers to Mr. Albanese during play.
Pip Edwards (pictured left) seemed to have pushed all other worries off the tennis court as she chatted with her friend Ben Waddell.
Veteran showbiz reporter Richard Wilkins, who recently assumed the role of Network Entertainment editor for Nine, was in the stands.
‘Everywhere’ Eddie McGuire lived up to his name with TV personality and former Collingwood boss in attendance with his wife Carla McGuire
Another headline-maker in recent weeks, Pip Edwards, was also very visible on Sunday.
The founder of the PE nation sat happily while chatting with her filmmaker friend Ben Waddell.
Just two weeks ago she was embroiled in a scandal after her ex-partner, retired cricketer Michael Clarke, was caught shirtless in a park during a heated argument with his new girlfriend, Jade Yarbrough, in Noosa.
The stylist was filmed slapping Clarke across the face and accusing him of cheating on her with Ms Edwards.
Media giant News Corp was represented by Sky News boss Paul Whittaker and on-air presenter Paul Murray.
Some of the notable business attendees included Atlassian founder Scott Farquar, trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, NAB CEO Ross McEwan, and Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka, who also chairs as president. of Tennis Australia.
Billionaire baron Justin Hemmes, 50, and his model girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel, 26, enjoy the atmosphere in Melbourne Park
Trucking magnate Lindsay Fox was one of the titans of industry and finance to arrive at Rod Laver Arena.
Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting and his wife Rianna Jennifer Cantor watch as Djokovic went ahead in the first set
There was also much applause from billionaire pub owner Justin Hemmes and his model girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel.
Also in attendance were Rod Laver himself and Australian tennis champions John Newcombe, Ken Rosewell and Evonne Goolagong along with American Billie Jean King.
Former Australian Grand Slam finalist Mark Philippoussis kept an eagle eye on the game as part of Tsitsipas’ coaching contingent.
Representing the other major national summer sport were former Australian cricket captains Ricky Ponting, joined by his wife Rianna Cantor and Steve Waugh, who sat down with father Rodger.
Meanwhile, the winter codes were represented by former NRL star Robbie Farah.
There was even a helping of fame from the culinary world with cookbook author Nagi Maehashi also seen in the stands.
Former Australian tennis player Mark Philippoussis was part of Stefanos Tsitsipas’ coaching contingent.
Australian tennis legends Ken Rosewall (pictured left) and John Newcombe take a heavy interest in Sunday’s final.
Retired NRL star Robbie Farrah (centre of photo) watches the men’s Australian Open final on Sunday