|
Herald Sun
January 30, 2006
Star-studded affair
By Luke Dennehy
Thanks to Rosemary for the article!
THE President's Reserve at Melbourne Park had never seen such a Greek flavour before as it did last night at the final of the Australian Open.
Ministers John Pandazopoulos and Theo Theophanous joined boss Premier Steve Bracks in the box to cheer on their man Marcos Baghdatis.
Also joining the trio was the high commissioner of Cyprus, Achilleas Antoniades, who has been a vocal supporter of the man who has suddenly become Cyprus's most famous export.
It has been a meteoric rise for Baghdatis -- his first match on Court 13 on day one of the tournament was in front of about 50 adoring fans. How things have changed.
Now dignitaries and celebrities from around the world are queuing up to show their support.
This year's Australian Open has been popular with Hollywood actors.
William Hurt, in town filming an instalment of Stephen King's Nightmares and Dreamscapes, was at the tennis for the second time.
While most VIPs ate and drank at the Australian Open Club, away from the tennis during the mixed doubles, Hurt watched Martina Hingis and Mahesh Bhupathi take out the mixed doubles.
During the tournament actors Charlize Theron and Michael Vartan also graced Melbourne Park. Before the men's final in Garden Square the Hoodoo Gurus played a set to a sea of Baghdatis fans.
Other celebrities in the crowd included Molly Meldrum, Kate Ceberano and Ada Nicodemou.
Tennis legends Rod Laver, Neale Fraser, and Ashley Cooper were also watching from the crowds.
© Herald and Weekly Times 2006
 Back To Exclusively Michael 2006
|
|
