Legendary movie star Jackie Chan makes surprise Aus Open appearance

Martial arts and film star Jackie Chan has delighted fans with a front row appearance at the women’s final, joining a string of famous faces who were spotted in the crowd.

Hollywood megastar Jackie Chan delights fans at the Australian Open women's final. Picture: Michael Klein

First Serve is your wrap-up of all the media gossip and banter from the 2025 Australian Open.

Australian Formula One driver Oscar Piastri was a surprise guest courtside at the tennis on Friday night.

His appearance was followed by martial arts and film star Jackie Chan sitting front row at the women’s final. Chan, a Luzhou Laojiao ambassador, caught up with women’s and men’s finalists Alexander Zverev and Aryna Sabalenka as well as Aussie tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt before the match.

Jackie chan watches the women’s final. Picture: Michael Klein

Ian Thorpe watches the women’s final in the on court seats. Pic: TENNIS AUSTRALIA/ FIONA HAMILTON

Also at the women’s final were Garry Lyon and Nicky Brownless and Lauren Phillips with Piper-Heidsieck, Brett Lee and Candice Warner with Marriott Bonvoy, Michael Clarke and Arabella Sherborne with Louis Vuitton and Deborra-Lee Furness, Peter Bol and Josh Heuston with Emirates.

Ian Thorpe and Jess from The Veronicas were guests of Tennis Australia.

Piastri and his partner Lily Zneimer were in the on-court seats as Jannik Sinner defeated Ben Shelton in the men’s semi-final.

They were joined in those VIP chairs by Collingwood star brothers Nick and Josh Daicos, kicking tennis goals along with comedian Magda Szubanski.

Piastri also caught up with Aussie great Ash Barty.

Nick and Josh Daicos. Picture: Michael Klein

Tennis Australia chair Jayne Hrdlicka, Former AFL chief Gillon McLachlan, former F1 driver Mark Webber and Ann Neal. Picture: Getty Images

Hugh Sheridan at Piper-Heidsieck’s Pride celebration

Others taking in the action from the front row in Tennis Australia’s O section were Tabcorp chief Gillon McLachlan and former F1 ace Mark Webber, who were joined by Margaret Court, deputy opposition leader Sam Groth along with TA chair Jayne Hrdlicka.

Champion swimmer Ian Thorpe was also in the crowd with Ralph Lauren while earlier Piper-Heidsieck hosted a pride cocktail party with Lindy Klim, Elliot Garnaut, Hugh Sheridan, Zoe Badwi and Tre Dallas.

Also spotted in the crowd was former American world no.1 Stan Smith who earlier in the week hosted a tennis clinic alongside former player turned commentator Daniela Hantuchova at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.

Stan Smith with Daniela Hantuchova at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne

“The shoes I did with Adidas were the first leather shoes, it’s amazing to see how it’s evolved,” Smith said.

“Tennis is in good shape. Everyone is concerned without the big three men but we’ve seen guys coming through and some have the potential to be a top player. I am happy to be here for the finals and love coming to Australia.”