Australian Open tennis VIP stands packed with celebrities trends now
The withdrawal of flamboyant local hope Nick Kyrgios on the eve of the Australian Open might have stripped some interest from this year's event, but whatever star power was lacking on the court was compensated for in the stands.
A Who's Who of entertainment A-listers, business leaders, sporting heroes and political elites flocked to Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Sunday to watch Serbian Novak Djokovic overcome Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas and claim his 10th Australian Open men's singles title.
The glamorous event has become the place to be seen for Australia's most powerful people with tickets for regular punters fetching up to $600 through official channels and thousands from online scalpers.
Oscar winning actor Russell Crowe and his partner Britney Theriot kicked back in the stands alongside new Vogue editor Christine Centenera and actress Olivia Dejonge.
Another Aussie star Rachel Griffiths, sat courtside with her husband Andy Taylor.
Billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who has been touring Australia, could be seen peering from the front row over Djokovic's shoulder as the eventual winner sat during breaks between play.
Sports tragic Prime Minister Anthony Albanese watched on alongside his partner Jodie Haydon for three straight nights.
Hollywood A-lister Russell Crowe (pictured right) attended the Australian Open final with girlfriend Britney Theriot
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured centre right) shows his appreciation for play flanked by former treasurer Peter Costello (left) and partner Jodie Haydon (right)
Microsoft founder Bill Gates (pictured centre left) watches on in rapt attention at the Open
Rachel Griffiths (pictured left) was also in the stands on Sunday night along with husband Andy Taylor
During the women's final on Saturday the Labor Prime Minister even sat next to his former Liberal rival Peter Costello - with the pair tucking into a Cornetto ice cream together.
The Howard-era political heavyweight who is now Nine chairman, sat alongside Opposition leader Peter Dutton for the men's final.
Former Morrison government treasurer Josh Fydenberg also enjoyed the action sitting next to Seven CEO Ryan Stokes, the son of the network chairman Kerry Stokes.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers was there too, while the Crown was represented by Governor General David Hurley.
Host broadcaster Channel Nine had a heavy presence of personnel, with Mr
