First Serve: Rebel Wilson and wife Ramona Agruma share solidarity with fire-ravaged LA
The Aussie star and her wife Ramona Agruma have stepped out at the Australian Open and revealed their own close call with their Hollywood Hills home during the deadly fires.
Confidential
Don't miss out on the headlines from Confidential. Followed categories will be added to My News.
First Serve is your wrap-up of all the media gossip and banter from the 2025 Australian Open.
Australian star Rebel Wilson and wife Ramona Agruma had bushfire devastation on their minds as they stepped out for the opening night of the Australian Open tennis.
The stylish couple shared that their Hollywood Hills home had barely survived intact, while actor Wilson earlier revealed their friend Ornela had rescued their cat.
“You feel like you can’t really enjoy yourself too much,’’ Wilson said at Tennis Australia’s Set in Style event at its O hospitality space.
“We’re thinking of LA in solidarity.”
Agruma said she was glad to be safe in Australia with their two year-old daughter Royce.
“I am devastated by what’s happening,’’ she said.
“I do know a lot of people terribly affected and friends who have lost their homes. I hope we can rebuild. People have been so good trying to support each other, we were offering our house to others even though we had no power.”
Wilson and Agruma, who held a wedding ceremony in September in Sardinia, were joined by former Australian tennis player turned commentator Rennae Stubbs and Melbourne fashion sisters Bianca and Bridgett Roccisano.
Wilson has put a call out to her 11 million followers to raise funds and donate to the Los Angeles Police Department to help officers amid the fires.
Other guests in O included Dannii Minogue with her long-time partner Adrian Newman, Nadia Bartel and Peter Dugmore, Matt Preston, Nick and Rozalia Russian, Grant Smillie, Collingwood captain Darcy Moore with teammate Pat Lipinski, Peter Bol, Bruce and Chyka Keebaugh, Lord Mayor Nick Reece, musician Finneas, plus Campbell Brown, Lewis Martin and Josh Kennedy.
Also celebrating the start of the tournament was Piper-Heidsieck’s VIP party, with guests including Bec and Chris Judd, Stella Klim, Olivia Rogers, Demi Brereton, Noemie Fox, Michelle Bridges, Billy Brownless, Paige Lorenze, Hannah Dal Sasso and Piper lifestyle ambassador Ayan Broomfield.
“There is so much going on here, it’s amazing to be part of it,’’ Broomfield said.
Ralph Lauren held its suite preview with guests including American influencer Morgan Riddle, the partner of tennis ace Taylor Fritz.
Medvedev’s baby’s name an ‘accidental’ nod to AO
Daniil Medvedev has revealed the name of his newborn daughter after her birth last week.
The Australian Open fifth seed, who already shares a daughter Alisa with wife Daria, posted on Wednesday the heartwarming reason for his delayed arrival to Australia.
“Her name is Victoria,’’ Medvedev said.
“I didn’t even think about it that I’m here now, I just like the name. We go to Melbourne so I forget. They’re not here, a 24-hour flight not possible. But they’re all good.
“For sure it’s many times tough to leave the family and we travel a lot but also it’s what we love to do and love to compete and I’m going to have more time after it.”
Medvedev’s IMG management had been inundated with questions over his absence.
The three-time Australian Open finalist says he’s well prepared to go all the way.
The 2021 US Open winner said it would “mean a lot” to finally breakthrough at Melbourne Park.
“I’m very excited, I had a great pre-season,’’ he said at Crown Melbourne where he’s staying.
“At the beginning of my career I was feeling the same at end and same, but I feel better at the end now so I like coming to Australia.
“We practice a lot, before the practice we need to warm up and when we have some free time watch some matches and go for dinner. I’m in a good location, a lot of restaurants and I used to play casino but don’t have time anymore. I’m more a poker player.
“Three times I was in the final and didn’t win it but it’s a tournament I like and I will for sure be trying to my best to win it.”
‘I don’t miss a match’: American tennis WAG influencing a new wave of fans
Paige Lorenze considers herself a businesswoman first and a tennis lover second.
The uber glamorous partner of American 12th seed Tommy Paul has a massive social media presence that is helping influence and attract a new wave of fan to the sport.
“I feel like so many women have contributed to making tennis a bit more fun and making it into an event that you can plan an outfit for or come with your friends or partner,’’ Lorenze said.
“We do a good job of getting people to the sport but once you’re at a match and you see the level of intensity and how fun the site is, a lot of women have become true fans. I want to get people here but I want them to fall in love with the sport. It’s such an easy sport to follow, I’m a true fan.”
Lorenze runs two businesses, Dairy Boy and American Charm, and has formed a strong bond with Australians Hannah Dal Sasso, Costeen Hatzi and Mia Savio.
She has just got Australian representation with agency One Daydream and intends to work at events through the week in Melbourne.
“Australian girls are the coolest girls,’’ Lorenze said.
“They’ve become good friends of mine. “This is my third time here and it’s my favourite stop. I feel like I’m coming at the best time of year. The food is so good, the weather is obviously amazing. The way the tournament hosts all of us is so great and for me the experience is amazing.
“I love being with Tommy and wish I could be there at every tournament. I don’t miss a match, watching online or at every tournament. He’s really come into his own and I feel like he’s more focused than ever. I’ve only been part of his tennis for a short period of but I feel grateful.
“Tommy loves that I am business orientated and I’m doing what I do. It’s been nice I’ve been able to leverage tennis in my businesses. It’s nice being able to work on the road.”
Lorenze has offices in her home town Connecticut and Los Angeles and is devastated about the spreading bushfires.
“It’s really hard, I was there a few days ago and I feel helpless a little bit,’’ she said.
“With American Charm which is bed sheets, and Dairy Boy clothes, we’re donating as much as we can.”
Deborra-Lee Furness eyes next big move after Jackman split
The ex-wife of Hugh Jackman hasn’t ruled out making a huge shift in her personal life as she continues to move on after separating from the movie star.
Ariarne Titmus debuts new love match at AO semi-finals
Australia’s swimming golden girl has enjoyed her “first night out in the wild” with her new partner, the pair watching Madison Keys get the better of Iga Swiatek.