Don’t believe the critics. Even without Ash Barty or Serena Williams, there was no lack of star power at the 2023 Australian Open Women’s Final. And if the truly incessant shouts of “are you not entertained” in any way detracted from Gladiator star Russell Crowe’s enjoyment of the tennis, he shouldn’t have sat in so conspicuous a seat.

Nothing is so obvious at Rod Laver Arena as who champagne sponsor Piper-Heidsieck invites to its padded on-court seating opposite the umpire. For those on the umpire’s side of the court, watching these A-listers is almost as easy as watching the game itself. Which, evidently, is what much of the crowd did during Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina’s changeovers.