Where to spot tennis stars in Melbourne this summer
As summer heats up and the Australian Open nears, some famous faces will be spotted at these Melbourne hotspots.
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Melbourne is always buzzing for two weeks in January — the tennis is on, it’s hot and people are out and about. The world’s best players descend on Melbourne and, although it’s always business, there is still some time to head out for a meal, a shopping experience or some fun. Here are some of the places you can go to spot a famous tennis player or personality.
Elwood Beach
British young gun Emma Raducanu regularly visits Elwood Beach and Elwood Bathers for a meal. She loves coming to Melbourne and experiencing the coffee culture.
Nobu, Rockpool, Spice Temple and Koko
Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Matteo Berrettini mainly stay at Crown and dine in the restaurants at the Southbank complex. You’d be unlucky not to spot a tennis star at Crown throughout the two weeks.
Greek Deli & Taverna
Nine-time Aussie Open champion Novak Djokovic is a regular visitor to this casual Greek spot in South Yarra. He also likes to take a stroll through Fitzroy Gardens.
National Gallery of Victoria
Players love exploring the NGV, particularly now the Alexander McQueen exhibition is on. Last year Gael Monfils and Elena Svitolina spent much time there. Croatian Marin Cilic is a fan. “It is an amazing experience, great people and I think the organisation is of such a high level,’’ he said.
Stalactites
Greek favourite Stefanos Tsitsipas is a regular at this city institution. “I feel at home in Melbourne and I love being welcomed by the Greek community here,’’ he said. “All throughout quarantine (last year) I’d been craving a Stalactites souvlaki.”
Collins St
Taylor Fritz and his girlfriend Morgan Riddle can be seen wandering around the Paris end of Collins St. Riddle has a huge following on social media and often posts pictures of herself around town.
France Soir
Jim Courier always makes time to dine at France Soir restaurant on Toorak Rd. The Channel 9 commentator and on-court interviewer says it’s his favourite dining go-to in Melbourne.
Yarra River
Top women’s player Petra Kvitova loves walking by the Yarra River. “I’m staying around there and it’s great to be by the promenade,’’ she said last year.
Culture Kings
American Jack Sock likes to do a spot of shopping in the city, mainly at Culture Kings. “The weather is amazing, it’s nice to get out and explore,’’ he said last year.
Kingpin Crown
Auckland women’s singles champion Coco Cauff enjoys a spot of bowling with her team and like any teenager, she also likes to go shopping.
Longrain
Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka always treats himself at city restaurant Longrain, his favourite. He also likes to visit Baby Pizza in Richmond where they are naming a pizza after him.
St Kilda Beach
A back-to-back Australian Open winner, Victoria Azarenka has a deep affection for Melbourne and its sites. Vika enjoys taking a stroll down the beach and through the city.
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