Where you’ll spot top Australian Open tennis stars across Melbourne

Australian Open’s big names stars are once again singing the praises of Melbourne, delighting fans as they pop up at some of their favourite places across the city.

Katie Boulter at her favourite coffee shop in South Yarra

It’s a long way to travel for most players on tour but every one sings the praises of Melbourne when they spend time Down Under.

For years players have enjoyed all the Australian Open has to offer, taking in the sights before and during the tournament.

Maria Sharapova would wander around Degraves Street; Roger Federer loved strolling along the Yarra and Serena Williams always popped up on Chapel Street.

This year has been no different with players venturing to various locations around town.

Ten-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic was snapped gliding across the water with his family in the Royal Botanic Gardens and also attending a Big Bash cricket match at Marvel Stadium.

Holger Rune and his sister Alma Rune at the Royal Botanic Gardens

Victoria Azarenka at Vic Market

British star Katie Boulter, fiance of Aussie Alex de Minaur, admits she has an obsession with coffee - she is a regular in South Yarra for all her caffeine needs.

“It’s the only thing that wakes me up,’’ she said.

“I think Australia has definitely one of the best coffees in the world. I like to find the smaller boutiques. I’ve been coming to Melbourne for a decade now and I have friends nearby in Toorak and they recommended this area to me when I first came and I’ve never left.

“I love coming back here, it’s one of my favourite places. I feel like it’s a little home away from home.”

Reigning Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner has followed his favourite Italian restaurant, La Pizzeria Italiana, from South Yarra to Beaumaris.

Jannik Sinner at restaurant “La Pizzeria Italiana” in Beaumaris

Hady Habib at St Kilda beach

Aryna Sabalenka with Hazel the kangaroo. Photo by TENNIS AUSTRALIA

“Our restaurant has welcomed back to our place quite a few tennis players with their teams, including Jannik Sinner,’’ said Julia Perri, who owns and runs the restaurant with husband Antonio.

“They have made their way to our bayside suburb to enjoy a meal with us, and we’re thrilled to have them keep coming back. We have cooked for them over the years and it’s been an honour to have these athletes choose us time and time again. We have become family.

“While pizzas are the stars of the menu, you’ll also find authentic lasagna and cannelloni, as well as an antipasto selection that transports you straight to a piazza in Italy.”

Julia and Antonio have even catered for the players’ boxes of Sinner and Djokovic.

USA players Tristan Boyer and Emma Navarro visit Hosier Lane. Photo by TENNIS AUSTRALIA

Gaby Dabrowski on a train in Melbourne

Former Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka visited Queen Victoria Market while Danish star Holger Rune and his sister Alma also explored the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Lebanese rising star Hady Habib was mobbed at St Kilda beach while Croatia’s Donna Vekic did a spot of shopping at the Once Was boutique in Hawthorn.

American players Emma Navarro and Tristan Boyer visited the Outsiders Gallery in the city and learned to tag their names and spray painted them in Hosier Lane.

Women’s powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka met Hazel the kangaroo, China’s Zheng Qinwen dined and stayed at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, while Canadian player Gaby Dabrowski posted a selfie to social media travelling on a train.

Originally published as Where you’ll spot top Australian Open tennis stars across Melbourne