Elle Macpherson set to headline Australian Open’s speaking series

Supermodel Elle Macpherson has returned to Australia for the first time in four years and will headline a women’s empowerment speaking engagement at the Australian Open.

Macpherson, who turns 60 in March, will headline the annual AO Inspirational Series, which will also mark 50 years since Australian tennis champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley won her first Australian Open title.

Supermodel Elle Macpherson will speak at this year’s Australian Open.Credit: Janie Barrett

Macpherson parlayed her status as a 1990s supermodel into a business career. She now lives in the US with partner Doyle Bramhall, a musician. During her time in Australia she will attend tennis matches and promote her WelleCo global supplement brand.

US tennis champion Billie Jean King, who won 12 grand slam singles titles, will return to the Open after giving the headline address last year. King was one of the “original nine” women players who founded a breakaway women’s tournament and fought for tennis pay parity in 1970.

Macpherson in a 2020 Harper’s Bazaar Australia magazine cover.

Previous AO speakers include King, former prime minister Julia Gillard, former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick and Vogue (US) editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

“Celebrating and recognising people’s achievements, particularly those of women, is close to my heart and something I aim to ground every day in practical ways,” said Macpherson, who arrived in Sydney on Monday morning.

“I’m so looking forward to being at the Australian Open for the first time and being part of this incredibly special AO Inspirational Series.

“I’m keen to share some of my story as well as checking out some amazing tennis at the women’s semi-finals.”

Macpherson at the Remus Vital Finca event in Spain two years ago.Credit: Getty

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said Macpherson was an iconic Australian.

“Elle’s inspiring international career – from fashion to global entrepreneur – is one of constant innovation and evolution, not unlike the AO itself,” Tiley said.

“We look forward to hearing Elle’s inspiring stories and in turn thrilling her with a night of sensational tennis at the women’s semi-finals at Rod Laver Arena.”

Macpherson entered the public consciousness more than 40 years ago as an 18-year-old spruiking Tab soft drink. During her career she posed for a record five Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers.

Billie Jean King at the Australian Open last year.Credit: Getty

In the 1990s Macpherson was one of a number of supermodels that The New York Times dubbed “the magnificent seven”, which also included Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista.

Brands and celebrities will be more prominent than ever at this year’s Open after the tournament extended its running time by an extra day.

Brands including Emirates, Aperol, Piper Heidsieck and Canadian Club will take advantage of the tournament’s earlier start this Sunday by hosting celebrity-laden functions.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp will co-host a Tennis Australia party alongside Tennis Australia chairman Jayne Hrdlicka at the organisation’s O function room. Guests will include Tim Minchin, Eddie McGuire, Ann Peacock and Michael Rowland.

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