First Serve: Tania Buckley remains tight-lipped about whether she is engaged to Marcus ‘Marco’ Kelly

The former wife of Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley has stepped out at the Australian Open wearing a huge diamond ring and says she and her businessman partner are “very happy”.

First Serve is your wrap-up of all the media gossip and banter from the 2025 Australian Open.

Tania Buckley made a sparkling courtside appearance at the Australian Open.

Buckley, the former wife of Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley, had a day out on Rod Laver Arena with their son Jett, as guests of Piper-Heidsieck.

Jett and Tania Buckley at Piper-Heidsieck on day 4

In May last year she made her first public appearance with new partner Marcus ‘Marco’ Kelly, walking hand-in-hand at a car launch sporting a huge sparkling diamond ring on her left hand.

She was wearing it on Wednesday but was tight-lipped about whether she is engaged.

When she was spotted with businessman Kelly, who she met through motorsport as both her sons, Jett and Ayce, race go-karts, she simply said “we’re very happy”.

Marcus ‘Marco’ Kelly and Tania Buckley.

Also spotted at the tennis were footy greats Nicky Winmar and Adam Goodes, plus Ralph Lauren guests including stylists Elliot Garnaut and Jess Pecoraro, and model Nathan McGuire.

Bec Judd redefines ‘fashionably late’ at the AO

Bec Judd was fashionably late to the tennis on Tuesday night but it was worth the wait.

When it comes to tennis style she delivered a masterclass in a coffee colour top and skirt by Nadia Bartel’s brand Henne, draped with a chocolate Viktoria and Woods sweater, Celine shoes and Louis Vuitton bag.

On Sunday night, accompanied by husband Chris Judd in the Piper-Heidsieck on court seats, she wore a red skirt and blazer by Bianca and Bridgett.

Judd attended the Emirates ‘Take Off’ event with bestie Jessie Roberts.

Bec Judd was fashionably late to the tennis on Tuesday night but it was worth the wait. Picture: Supplied

Gilchrist’s footy allegiance tested

Australian cricket great Adam Gilchrist made a beeline for one person at the tennis on Wednesday night — Collingwood coach Craig McRae.

Gilchrist was with his family at the Emirates ‘Take Off’ event while McRae was nearby as a guest of Australian Open boss Craig Tiley.

He got a nice surprise in the O hospitality section when his second row seat was next to great friend, former Lions teammate and Carlton coach Michael Voss.

Beside them was Geelong coach Chris Scott and in front was Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.

All were cheering on Aussie star Alex de Minaur but it was McRae who caught the eye of Gilchrist.

The pair chatted at length in the Emirates hospitality suite after the match but the Fox Cricket commentator said their meeting hadn’t swayed him.

“I’m still a Carlton fan don’t worry about that,” he said.

“It’s always great to meet coaches, I love the way he goes about it.”

McRae, accompanied by wife Gabrielle, will be back at the tennis next week.

Adam Gilchrist and Craig McRae at the tennis. Picture: Supplied

Fractured larynx doesn’t keep Gawn away from wedding

Melbourne captain Max Gawn had a big scare when he suffered a fractured larynx at training last month.

But despite losing his voice he still managed to MC the wedding of his great mate Angus Brayshaw.

“It was a bit of a fright there for a little bit, I spent the night in hospital and the airways were looking a bit damaged but once we cleared that it was just no contact days,’’ he said.

“It’s still not quite where it should be. I can’t yell which has been quite nice to not do too much.”

Gawn attended the tennis on Tuesday night with Piper-Heidsieck.

“The fact there’s four grand slams and the other three cities are New York, Paris and London, we’re lucky to get it here,’’ he said.

“I live 10km from one of four grand slams so of course I’m going to come.”

Originally published as First Serve: Tania Buckley remains tight-lipped about whether she is engaged to Marcus ‘Marco’ Kelly