Famous faces set tongues wagging at Aus Open
Champion jockey turned trainer Michelle Payne has revealed how she dealt with the “overwhelming” level of attention after riding the winner in the 2015 Melbourne Cup.
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Champion jockey turned trainer Michelle Payne says she’s become more at ease in the spotlight after her life-changing moment almost nine years ago.
Payne won the Melbourne Cup riding Prince of Penzance in 2015 and reflected on the moment attending the Emirates ladies lunch at the Australian Open on Wednesday.
“It’s coming up to nine years and I feel like I can relax a bit more,’’ she said.
“It was such a big thing to happen and I was overwhelmed. I was just thrown into the deep end. I’m glad I was 30, if I was younger I don’t know how I would have coped.”
Payne is hoping to have another big year, returning to work in commentary at Royal Ascot and eyeing race meets in the US.
She said she was focusing on quality not quantity with the horses she trains.
“The farm is my sanctuary and keeps me sane,’’ she said.
“Being able to spend time with (my brother) Stevie on the farm is the ultimate. I’d love to share him more with the world.”
Payne was joined at the lunch by guest speaker, Australian Open champion Li Na.
“AO is my favourite tournament, such good memories so I always look forward to it being on,’’ Li said.
“It’s great to see Chinese tennis doing so well, not only good on the women’s side but the men’s side too.”
Other guests at the Emirates ladies lunch included trainer Gai Waterhouse, singer Bonnie Anderson, TV personality Gorgi Coghlan, and AFLW stars Katie Brennan and Ruby Schleicher.
Cash and Cousins support tennis clinics
Meanwhile Ben Cousins joined Pat Cash in supporting the Swimply x Rally4Ever partnership which will boost the accessibility and availability of private tennis courts to support Rally4Ever’s tennis clinics, founded by tennis pro and commentator Louise Pleming.
The event in Toorak was a big hit, with familiar faces including Redfoo, Sarah Stone, Ellen Perez and Jelena Dokic also attending.
“Louise is an old friend from way back and when she told me about this I thought it was a brilliant concept,’’ Cash said.
“To get people out and outside to help with mental health — sometimes tennis was the issue for me and I wanted to get away but then in the latter part of my life I’ve just wanted to get out there and have a hit.”
‘Courtside glamour is having its moment’
The original courtside glamour girl, Silvana Philippoussis, is thrilled to see fashion making its mark at the tennis.
Philippoussis (above), wife of former Aussie ace Mark Philippoussis, stepped out in style on Tuesday to watch him play in the legends tournament.
“I love that courtside glamour is having its moment,’’ Silvana said, wearing a dress by Australian designer Diida.
“Usually for me it’s all about being comfortable with the kids but given my background in fashion and modelling it’s also nice for me to feel a bit more glam.”
Philippoussis said it was great to see social media star Morgan Riddle, the partner of American star Taylor Fritz, become the talk of the open.
Philippoussis is working on the new activewear line for her and Mark’s clothing brand As We Create.
“Mark and I bounce off each other and I’m excited to be working on the women’s activewear line, launching mid year,’’ she said.
Boxer bounces back
Bronze medal boxer Harry Garside says reaching his lowest point last year has set him up perfectly for a shot at Olympics glory in Paris.
Garside fought through tough times after being cleared by NSW police of assaulting his former girlfriend Ashley Ruscoe.
“Everything’s always an opportunity not a problem,’’ he said.
“That’s the athlete mindset. Of course it was so challenging and there were many times throughout that period where I was genuinely struggling.
“The worst state I’ve ever been in my life … it was almost a coming of age moment, I feel like I turned into a man last year.”
Garside, a big tennis fan, was a guest of Ralph Lauren at the Australian Open on Tuesday night.
Looking happy and stylish in the brand’s clothing, he said he was loving living in Sydney after moving on New Year’s Eve last year.
Brownless steps out with new lady
Billy Brownless has stepped out at the Australian Open with a new lady friend.
The father of four had a night to remember with Lizzie, also a mum of four, as they sat in the on-court seats as guests of champagne brand Piper-Heidsieck.
“She’s a friend that loves tennis,” Brownless said.
Lizzie said the pair met several years ago and had recently rekindled a friendship.
It was a year ago when Brownless stepped out with his former partner Justine at the Australian Open.
The popular Geelong great and brunette beauty were together for about a year and separated several months ago.
After taking his four children, whom he shares with ex-wife Nicky, on holiday to New York and Mexico over Christmas, Brownless went back to work on Monday, co-hosting The Rush Hour with James Brayshaw on Triple M.
“It was great to get away, good to spend time with the kids and Ruby’s fiance Josh Wallis,” Brownless said.
“First day and I was a bit rusty that’s for sure.”
Brownless is still spending time between Melbourne and Geelong, where he owns the Cremorne Hotel.
His happy outing at the tennis comes after Nicky Brownless stepped out last week with her children, saying she’s “really happy”.
Her partner of eight years, footy great Garry Lyon proposed on their Mornington Peninsula property last month.
She described their engagement as the best surprise before they, too, holidayed in New York.
“We’d planned to go and we did (have so much to celebrate),’’ Nicky said.
“We’re really happy.”
Nicky said their daughter Ruby would get married first.
“Ruby’s next so I think we’ll let them have their time,’’ Nicky said.
Friends in high places
Author Amber Petty, the best friend of Queen Mary of Denmark, says the Australian-born royal will be a dynamic leader.
“I’d never speak on her behalf, but the truth is I’m still getting my head around it,” Petty said.
“All I know is she’s a really impressive woman.
“It gives me to comfort to know there are really good-quality people in those positions where others look up to them.”
Petty said the work of The Mary Foundation, which aims to fight social isolation based on the belief that everyone has the right to belong, indicated the spirit of Denmark’s new queen.
“It’s great to know there are really good humans in key positions,” Petty said.
“She will do her best because that’s what she does in her life – her best.”
Petty and her friend, former reality TV star Cherry Dipietrantonio, attended the Australian Open on Monday as guests of Piper-Heidsieck champagne.
Petty was a bridesmaid at the then-Mary Donaldson’s 2004 wedding to Prince Frederik after they met during the 2000 Sydney Games.
Petty, who also works in public relations, is writing two new books – a self-help parody titled If In Doubt, Panic, and a tome about how dreams might shape or influence mental health.
Buddy living it up in QLD
Lance “Buddy” Franklin and wife Jesinta say their move to Queensland post football has been the best thing for their family.
Swans superstar Franklin announced his retirement in July last year, six months after the couple purchased their $9m Gold Coast mansion.
Model Jesinta said the slower-paced life was perfect for them and their two young children, Lulu and Rocky, while Buddy said he was loving the relaxed lifestyle since relocating from the Harbour City.
“I’m feeling good, a lot less stressed, that’s for sure,’’ he said.
“Having the time with the family has been really good and we’re loving Queensland.”
Franklin, 36, who kicked 1066 goals across 354 games with Hawthorn and Sydney, said he had not decided what was next.
“I’m in no rush and just enjoying this time with my family and soaking it up,’’ he said.
Jesinta added: “It’s nice, we need to have that time to unwind. Nineteen years (in footy) was a lot and we’re literally enjoying life, no pressure, no stress. Lulu will be starting prep next year so we’ve got that precious time with the kids.”
The Franklins made a weekend out of travelling to Melbourne to attend the Australian Open on Sunday as Kia ambassadors.
They had a hit on Sunday morning with wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott before attending the Kia Sunday Session hosted by Alcott. They caught up with good friends Jordan and Lucy Lewis, plus other guests Brooke Warne and actors Josh Heuston and Sharon Johal.
“I haven’t been (to the tennis) for like 15 years, what an opportunity to come watch (Alex de Minaur). It’s so exciting to see an Australian in a big game,’’ Buddy said.
“I’ve got a good slice backhand but that’s about it. Too much running for me – I’d rather play table tennis.”
Jesinta said Buddy was quite adept behind the wheel and with a racquet in hand.
“It really is a treat to be here,’’ she said.
“He was a bit nervous facing Dylan but Bud has this very frustrating thing where whatever sport he does he’s very good at.”
Rebel and Magda take in the action
Homegrown stars Rebel Wilson and Magda Szubanski added some celeb power to the electric atmosphere on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night.
Wilson was cheering on Aussie Alex de Minaur from his players’ box, sitting alongside Bec Hewitt.
Lleyton Hewitt sat at the front with de Minaur’s girlfriend, British star Katie Boulter, behind him.
Wilson didn’t waste any time taking in some action, watching on John Cain Arena and also meeting world no.1 Novak Djokovic.
Wilson is a big tennis fan and often goes to the US Open.
Comedian Szubanski is also an avid tennis fan and was a guest of Piper-Heidsieck in their on court seats.
McRae’s stint at Harvard
Collingwood premiership coach Craig McRae was all smiles on a night out at the tennis with wife Gabrielle.
The couple, who welcomed their first child Maggie on Grand Final day, stepped out at Emirates on Saturday night.
McRae has spent a week abroad at Harvard University in Boston doing a leadership course.
As other Magpies figures have said during the week, the hunger for success is as strong as ever.
“We’re trying to send a message to all our players that we want to get better every day and I’m no different,’’ McRae said.
“It was -5 and snowing at one stage – a great opportunity to learn … a lot about myself, a deeper course but authentic leadership. Come back hungry to bring that to life.”
Baghdatis joins legends
Marcos Baghdatis hit the decks and mingled with fans upon his return to Melbourne.
An Australian Open finalist in 2006, he is back to play in the legends tournament.
Baghdatis joined the duo from Wax’o Paradiso on the decks at Peroni’s Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri bar (above).
“I played some great matches here and had some of my best emotions of my career,’’ he said.
“Playing the legends event here is so much fun, love the energy of the crowds here and it’s always a privilege to be back.
“I think Tennis Australia have done an amazing job upgrading all of the facilities the last few years, not just for the players but also for the fans, and that I believe is so important and that’s why this event has the best atmosphere and energy between fans and the players.”
Pride ‘bringing everyone together’
Courtney Act says it’s an honour to bring her glitz to the Australian Open as host of the Finals Festival Pride night on Thursday.
“Traditionally queer people, especially like gay men in sport maybe don’t embrace it, while the females do, look at the Matildas,’’ Act said.
“I think these sorts of events where queer people feel welcome and can come and celebrate and have a good time … bring everything together.”
Guests include The Veronicas’ Jessica Origliasso and TikTok stars Luke and Sassy Scott.
For Act, it’s 21 years since her debut on Australian Idol.
“To imagine 21 years ago, sport and queerness coming together like they will be next week at the AO, is almost unthinkable,” she said.
Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Mystery man pops up
A mysterious figure – an Agent Argylle lookalike – appeared among the on-court seats watching the tennis at the weekend.
All around the world the Henry Cavill lookalikes are popping up to promote the new film from Matthew Vaughn called Argylle.
Australia’s Agent Argylle was spotted courtside and across Melbourne Park.
He was also recently spotted at the Chelsea match in England and at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
AFL stars out in force
Footy stars were out in force for the first Friday night of the Australian Open.
Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli stepped out with his partner Neila Brenning for dinner with Emirates, who also hosted Collingwood premiership star Steele Sidebottom and his wife Alisha.
Also in the crowd on Rod Laver Arena were new Richmond coach Adem Yze, Melbourne CEO Gary Pert and former Freo Dockers star Matthew Pavlich.
Singers Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell plus chef Diana Chan were also guests of Emirates.
One of TV’s Bachelors, Ben Waddell, along with model Nathan McGuire, chef and influencer Khanh Ong were in the Marriott Bonvoy lounge.
Some of Australia’s Fed Cup stars also reunited at the tennis – Sam Stosur, Casey Dellacqua, Alicia Molik, Nicole Pratt and Rennae Stubbs. They were joined by other former stars Sam Groth, John Alexander, Pat Cash and Neale Fraser.
Dellacqua revealed she had changed footy teams.
“I was Carlton but I have lived in Sydney for 15 years and my kids go for the Swannies so I’m on their bandwagon,” she said.
How Aus Open is influencing fashion
Anyone for a serve of fashion inspiration is being urged to follow the trends that have lobbed at the Australian Open.
As much as the tournament is a sporting spectacle, it has elevated in the off court stakes, thanks largely to the social media influencers who date the world’s leading men.
Morgan Riddle, partner of American ace Taylor Fritz, has been working for the past two years to build her followers and relate court chic to the younger generation.
“Serena (Williams) is the queen of tennis fashion on the court and I really want to bring tennis off the court as well,’’ Riddle said.
“That’s been my goal for the last two years to really introduce fashion into tennis spectating.
“I started doing social media two years ago here at the Australian Open. So it’s kind of full circle that I’m back here.”
Riddle, who is good friends with many Melburnians including business women Tully Humphrey and Sarah Pasini, has a crew of fellow partners creating a buzz around the sport.
They include Paige Lorenze, partner of American Tommy Paul; Sophia Thomolla, partner of German Alexander Zverev; and Nina Ghaibi, partner of Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson says she’s never seen social media blow up as much as this year.
“Content creation is huge and it’s the first major event of the year so people want to put their best fashion foot forward,’’ she said.
“I’ve seen so much white, so many brands like Steele, Viktoria & Woods, Dion Lee, Scanlan Theodore, it’s been really strong. A lot of sneakers, wedges and use of accessories to dial up the look. Whether it be sunglasses, bowler hat and bucket hat and cross-body bags. We didn’t used to have this fashion around but with the amount of eyes on the tournament, TikTok is blowing up,” she said.
“We’ve seen it with the AFL, now this on an international stage, the exposure is astronomical. Courtside chic is definitely a thing.”
Freeman and Cawley unite for celebration
Australian legend Cathy Freeman was a surprise guest at the Australian Open on Wednesday night.
Freeman was a guest of tennis great Evonne Goolagong Cawley in celebration of First Nations Day.
There was a special centre court performance by The Bangarra Dance Theatre dedicated to Indigenous icon Cawley, who is also marking the 50th anniversary of her first Australian Open title.
Reflecting on that she said: “It was the dream that got me through the obstacles in my life. When I left my home town Barellan and went to Sydney, I cried every night I was so homesick. But I kept thinking about my dream.”
Cawley officially launched the second annual First Nations Day by appearing with children from her foundation and the competition’s Indigenous ball kids.
Young TV star turns heads
Rising television presenter Grace Hayden made her only appearance at the Australian Open on Wednesday.
Hayden, 21, the daughter of cricket legend Matthew Hayden, turned heads in a white gown as she took in the action with Piper-Heidsieck.
The Channel 7 cricket, racing and fashion enthusiast will head to the Hobart Cup in February and the IPL at the end of March.
She said she was single and feeling refreshed after taking time away from social media over Christmas.
“I’m enjoying being back in Melbourne and had a lovely break,’’ she said.
“I’m feeling refreshed and it was nice to spend time with family.
“Dad has been away a lot so reconnecting with him was important.”
Art escape for tennis star
Polish world No. 9 Hubert Hurkacz took selfies as he explored the NGV on Wednesday afternoon.
Hurkacz viewed the Wurrdha Marra display, which is on show with many other First Nations artwork.
“It’s really nice to see something new that I haven’t seen before and to put your mind away from tennis and become a normal person,’’ he said.
“And then we’ll get back to work.”
Hurkacz beat Aussie Omar Jasika in the first round and plays Jakub Mensik today.
Wurrdha Marra means “Many Mobs” in the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language.
The name comes to the NGV from the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and supports the purpose of the space in sharing the work of First Nations artists.
Pies boss’ high-flying friend
Collingwood president Jeff Browne had a night out at the tennis with many of the club’s players, but also had a personal catch-up.
Browne, who is looking fit and healthy as he continues his cancer battle, revealed he’d had a 20-year friendship with Boutros Boutros, Emirates Airlines’ senior vice president for media relations, sponsorship and events.
Boutros Boutros was in Melbourne for a few days and took time out for tennis duties and a check-in with the airline’s sponsorship of Collingwood.
WAGS steal show at white dress code party
The striking, social and fashionable WAGs of tennis have come together for a day of pure fun at the Australian Open.
Paige Lorenze, partner of Tommy Paul; Ayan Broomfield, partner of Frances Tiafoe; Morgan Riddle, partner of Taylor Fritz; Costeen Hatzi, partner of Nick Kyrgios and Hannah Dal Sasso, partner of Thanasi Kokkinakis — all adhered to the white dress code memo for a Bondi Sands event at QT Rooftop on Monday.
“I love it here, it’s the best time of year in Australia and everyone is off work and enjoying Summer,’’ said Riddle, a social media star.
“There’s such good energy and I love how much people love the sport here.
“I can’t say I always enjoy watching because it’s so stressful. It took me 30 minutes to get my heart rate down (after Fritz’s five-set win on Sunday). It’s a nice community of girls who travel.”
Dal Sasso said she couldn’t wait to support Aussie star Kokkinakis who is playing on Tuesday.
“He has such a big group of friends and Thanasi loves it and all the crowd support,’’ she said.
“I’m so proud of him. Last year I put him first with travelling so this year I want to do things for my career too.”
Lorenzo is back here for the second time with 14th seed Paul.
“I love it,’’ she said.
“I know all the slams are social in their own way. I love when Tommy plays on the outside courts because I feel like they’re the real tennis fans.”
Melbourne girl Mia Savio also joined the event, along with Annalise Dalins, partner of Collingwood star Josh Daicos.
Savio’s partner, Italian Matteo Arnaldi, is set for a showdown with local hope Alex de Minaur.
“I think he can do it, he’s been working too hard,’’ Savio said.
Beefy’s day out
Cricket great Sir Ian Botham spent a whole day at the tennis before flying back to the UK.
Botham has been here working across the summer of cricket and took in both sessions of play, spending Sunday night with his beauty queen granddaughter Imani-Jayne Botham.
He will spend August in Spain where his grandson is due to get married.
On Monday there were a raft of stylish footy faces in the Ralph Lauren suite.
Marc and Jessie Murphy were joined by Emma Hawkins and Lexi Mary, along with beauty experts Jade Kisnorbo and Sophia Pafitis and relationship expert Chantelle Otten.
Piper-Heidsieck hosted radio personality Fifi Box and Melbourne players Max Gawn and Jake Lever.
Star’s ‘bloody hard’ road to title
Aussie legend Pat Rafter says he’s never seen Alex de Minaur in such a good head space.
Rafter, the two-time US Open winner, said the Australian 10th seed could win the Australian Open but it would be “bloody hard”.
“Winning matches creates a lot of confidence so he’s in that really great frame of mind,’’ Rafter said.
“In the past he’s really tried to beef up his game and just hit the ball hard. Now he’s just learnt to temper that a bit … wait for the right ball and then be aggressive. He’s a great athlete and he’s got really great hands especially when pushed out wide.
“How deep (he can go), I don’t know, they put it on a piece of paper the other day the matches to potentially win a grand slam. It’s tough. Sure (he can do it) but it’s bloody hard.”
Rafter has become an ambassador for Padel tennis and visited the Canadian Club site at Birrarung Marr on Monday.
Fellow legend Andre Agassi has taken up the sport but Rafter is adamant “I’d kick his arse in padel”.
“I heard about this game about 15 years ago,’’ he added. “I was over in France and a mate said you have to see this game.”
Nadia’s big reveal as VIPs step out
Nadia Bartel made her first public appearance with partner of two years Peter Dugmore at the opening day of the Australian Open.
Beaming with happiness, the mum of two and Henne co-founder said the pair were ready to step out more.
“I like to be private in some things but we’re so happy,’’ Bartel said.
“He’s a really good person and it’s been just over two years, we’re enjoying our time together. We just had a really nice break in Sydney and I’ve mainly just been here with family chilling by the pool.”
Bartel and Dugmore were guests in the Australian Open’s “Set in Style” launch event in the VIP O area for Sunday night’s matches.
There she was joined by a swag of A-list guests including tennis legend Andre Agassi, former Aussie Formula One driver Mark Webber, composer Tim Minchin, TV personalities Eddie McGuire, Matt Preston and Melissa Leong, athlete Peter Bol, former top jockey Michelle Payne and Collingwood stars Darcy Moore, Mason Cox and Brayden Maynard.
At the Piper-Heidsieck black-tie party guests included Amber Petty, the best friend of soon-to-be crowned Queen Mary of Denmark who spoke of her pride in seeing her one-time advertising colleague making history.
Petty, who met Tasmanian Mary Donaldson at a Melbourne advertising agency in the mid 1990s, was a bridesmaid at her 2004 wedding to Prince Frederik of Denmark.
“It’s a very emotional day and I’m still just processing it all,’’ Petty said.
“I’m incredibly proud of her and I’m always proud of her. I would be proud of her if she was an advertising exec, a gardener, a vet. I’m proud of her for the person that she is, not the role she’s stepping into as such.”
Petty stepped out with her friend, former Real Housewives of Melbourne star Cherry Dipietrantonio, alongside faces including socialites Rebecca and Chris Judd and musician Redfoo.
Composer Minchin, who wrote the music and lyrics for the coming musical Groundhog Day, was making his debut courtside and simply wanted a picture with Collingwood ruckman Cox.
“I’ve never been to a live tennis match,’’ he said.
“I’m a Dockers fan but I’m a huge Mason Cox fan. Sport is a type of art and art is a type of sport.
“I used to play hockey five times a week and then went on a different path.”
Elsewhere Elvis actor Olivia DeJonge was joined in the Ralph Lauren suite by model Montana Cox.
Agassi was a special guest in the Uber One x Kia event, along with actor Pallavi Sharda, TV personalities Andy Allen, Waleed Aly and Darren McMullen, and influencers Demi Brereton and Ruby Brownless.
Emirates hosted influencer Brooke Warne with partner Alex Heath and Collingwood star Maynard with his partner Ashlee Browning.
Originally published as Famous faces set tongues wagging at Aus Open
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