The Melbourne Park precinct was abuzz on a historic opening day at Australian Open 2024, with crowds embracing the first Sunday start in tournament history.
Among the thousands of tennis fans filing through the gates, were some high-profile guests.
Entertainer Tim Minchin attended a star-studded ‘Set in Style’ launch event, held at O on the tournament's opening night.
MORE: Catch up on all the results of Australian Open 2024
In Melbourne as he prepares for the opening of his Groundhog Day musical, the world-famous composer and writer was thrilled to attend the Australian Open for the first time.
“It’s a proper vibe,” Minchin told ausopen.com.
“I’ve watched a bit of tennis, but I’ve never been to a live professional tennis match in my life, so I’m really excited.”
Michelle Payne, who made history in 2015 as the first female jockey to win the prestigious Melbourne Cup, was equally excited.
“I absolutely love everything about the Australian Open to be honest,” she said. “I remember watching it from when I was really, really young and every year when it’s on, I can’t take my eyes off the tv screens. So, to be here is just an absolute treat.”
Melbourne-based cook and author Julia Busuttil Nishimura agreed there was no better place to be.
“I love everything about the Australian Open. The food, the players, the atmosphere, the whole vibe – it’s just summer in Melbourne,” she said.
Australian television personality Waleed Aly echoed those sentiments.
“I love this time of year and I love the international flavour of the Australian Open,” he said.
“You see colours from around the world, you see players from around the world, you hear accents from around the world. It makes you realise you’re in a real international hub.
“There are only a handful of places in the world that have the world’s attention at any given moment, and this is it in this moment.
“It’s easy to forget that this is a really big deal.”
Matt Preston, Melissa Leong, Joel Creasey, Olympia Valance, Tony Armstrong, Eddie McGuire and Maria Thattil were among the other media personalities at the Set in Style event.
They were joined by F1 driver Mark Webber, Australian Football League players Darcy Moore, Mason Cox and Christian Petracca and Australian basketballer Matthew Dellavedova.
Athletics champion Peter Bol was also among the guests.
The two-time Olympian is still on a high from sharing the court with world No.1 Novak Djokovic during a charity event at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday evening.
“I think I was more nervous to have a run with him than I would be in an Olympic final,” Bol said.
“It was very interesting to see an athlete like Novak be able to run, stretch and play basketball. He’s so multi-talented, it’s pretty cool.
“I also spoke a little bit with him behind the scenes and he was very generous with his time.”
Musician Redfoo proved popular with fans at the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar, where he happily posed for photos.
The American singer is an avid tennis fan and enjoying the Australian Open while on a family holiday.
“I feel like it’s probably the best environment for tennis here,” Redfoo said. “The fans go crazy, and I like the atmosphere. It’s such a big park, it’s open and it’s summertime. It’s amazing.”
Australian Football League great Chris Judd was also soaking up the atmosphere at the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar, before sitting courtside alongside wife Bec during the evening session at Rod Laver Arena.
“It’s such an incredible event, I’m always amazed at the scale of it,” Judd said.
Tennis legends Andre Agassi and Ash Barty added further star power on a memorable opening day, carrying the Australian Open trophies on court ahead of the evening session at Rod Laver Arena.