Bill Gates attends Aus Open

Stars have been lapping up the action at this year’s Australian Open, but the biggest names will be courtside this week for the finals.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates sits courtside as he watches the women's semi-final match. pIcture: AFP

Tech billionaire Bill Gates sat courtside at the Australian Open on Thursday night to watch the women’s semis-finals.

After making an appearance at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, the philanthropist and climate advocate flew into Melbourne with an entourage of security but no fuss on the ground.

Bill Gates watches on during the women’s semi-final. Picture: Michael Klein

He heads a long list of celebrities, sporting greats, business bigwigs and VIPs that will descend on Melbourne Park as the tournament reaches its pinnacle this weekend.

Actor Russell Crowe will attend the women’s final on Saturday while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be at the men’s and women’s finals, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers at the men’s decider on Sunday.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, former Australian Sports Commission chair John Whylie and a who’s who of business will be at the Open on Friday, including billionaire Shesh Gale and former Qantas chairman and Rio Tinto chief executive Leigh Clifford.

Swedish-American actor Joel Kinnaman, who is dating model Kelly Gale, is set to attend this weekend. Picture: Robyn Beck

Sporting greats Ash Barty, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Chris O’Neil, Dylan Alcott and Steve Waugh will attend the women’s final on Saturday.

Aussie actor Russell Crowe will also be courtside for the women’s showdown.

TV host Carrie Bickmore will step out for the first time since announcing her separation from partner Chris Walker to attend the women’s final.

Walker was also a guest in the Emirates suite on Wednesday night, flanked by friends Dr Chris Brown and Peter Helliar.

Carrie Bickmore and Chris Walker attend the Australian Open Tennis men’s final together in 2015. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Pia Miller and husband Patrick Whitesell will be courtside again this year. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

Fitness queens Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith are also attending the women’s final, as is Rob Mills.

Dannii Minogue will be back at the tennis for the men’s final along with the Inspired Unemployed.

Swedish-American actor Joel Kinnaman, who dates supermodel Kelly Gale, is also going to be taking in the weekend’s action, as is Michael Clarke’s ex Pip Edwards.

Adore Beauty founder Kate Morris, construction tycoon Rouad Elayoubi, former J.P Morgan Australia chief executive Rob Priestley and AngloGold Ashanti boss Alberto Calderón will be among the top business brass at the Open on Friday.

Bank of America Australia advisory board chair Don Argus, Seek co-founder Paul Bassat, Kogan founder Ruslan Kogan, Suncorp non executive director Elmer Funke Kupper and Dexus Funds chair Warwick Negus will also be among the suits wined, dined and seated courtside.

Model Pia Miller and her husband Patrick Whitesell could also jet in for finals weekend as they did last year.

Jess Gomes, Josh Heuston, Christian Wilkins and Harry Garside will also be on site Friday with the Glam Slam tournament that afternoon on Kia Arena expected to attract a big crowd.