The Australian Open, a grand tennis spectacle, has just concluded its 'Opening Week', attracting a record-breaking crowd three times larger than the old 'Qualifying Week'. The tournament's official start on Sunday sparked curiosity about the attendance of celebrities and sports stars at Melbourne Park. Among the notable attendees was Chris Harrop, the newly appointed Tennis Australia chair, who hosted an exclusive dinner for prominent figures at Tennis Australia's rooftop venue, 'O'.
The evening featured a multi-course feast, including jasmine-poached rock lobster and Mayura Station Wagyu rump cap. Guests were then guided to the best seats at Rod Laver Arena, offering a front-row view of the tennis action. Harrop, who succeeded Jayne Hrdlicka as chair, had the pleasure of watching his first AO match in a decade. Hrdlicka, a former boss at a2 Milk and Virgin, has since become the CEO of Endeavour Group, the owner of Dan Murphy's and BWS.
When asked about his stamina for enduring long tennis matches, Harrop humorously suggested that 'late-night coffees and Melbourne's chilly climate might be helpful'. Hrdlicka, known for her almond snacks during five-setters, had no such tricks up her sleeve. Roger Federer, the star of the 'opening ceremony', later joined the festivities, sitting beside his idol, Rod Laver. The pair posed for a selfie with Aryna Sabalenka, the star-struck world No.1, after her first-round victory.
Other tennis legends present included Judy Dalton and Wendy Turnbull, who sipped Pepsi with ice. Together, they have won 38 grand slam championships across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. The retired Olympic champion, Ariarne Titmus, and Olympic cyclist Cadel Evans were also among the guests. Columnist Waleed Aly and his wife Susan Carland enjoyed botanical-infused mocktails at the bar.
Fashion Critical, a cult anonymous blogger and clothing reviewer, paid tribute to Kerri-Anne Kennerley by removing her hat and sunglasses to greet her. Melbourne's cool kids, including Nick Russian, Joey Scandizzo, Nadia Bartel, and Lana Wilkinson, occupied the top seats. Bruce and Chyka Keebaugh, catering impresarios, enjoyed a rare night off after selling part of their Big Group catering firm to Compass Group.
Bec Judd, a Melebrity major events specialist, and her husband Chris Judd were gifted prime seats by sponsors Piper-Heidsieck champagne. They were led to a specially constructed sushi omakase room, usually off-limits to the public. The Judds were then granted the Open's on-court seats, offering an unparalleled view of the action. Influencers and AFL players, such as the Daicos brothers and AFL players, also lined up for the prestigious on-court seats.
At Casa Altos' tequila bar, Melebrities mingled under the watchful eye of a larger-than-life statue of Thanasi Kokkinakis. AFL players Conor Nash and Jack Gunston, along with NRL player Cameron Munster, chatted over tequila cocktails before watching the arena matches. The first woman jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, Michelle Payne, and her boyfriend Gabriel Ribeiro, also attended, showcasing the eternal camaraderie among Melbourne's major events squad.
