Serena pays tribute to victims
Serena Williams has paid tribute to the victims of Friday's Bourke Street Mall tragedy.
The six-time Australian Open champion said she was shocked to hear about the deaths of four people on Friday after a speeding car charged through pedestrians in the middle of Melbourne's CBD.
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Minute's silence for CBD victims at Australian Open
Rod Laver Arena observed a minute's silence before Rafael Nadal's third round clash with Alexander Zverev.
"It's very shocking and extremely saddening and disheartening," Williams said at her post-match press conference.
"[There are] just so many sad things are happening around the world, and even to hit so close to home where I know literally it's down the street from the tournament, close to where a lot of players are staying.
"You know, it's just an unfortunate event that you just have to really pray for everyone involved in that sad situation."
Williams will play Barbora Strycova of the Czech Republic in the fourth round after easily beating her fellow countrywoman Nicole Gibbs on Saturday 6-1 6-3.
On Saturday afternoon, players, officials and spectators on Rod Laver Arena observed a minute's silence for the victims before the match between Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev.
You were innocent. You won’t be forgotten. #Melbourne
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2017
Brownless steps out
Spotted in the crowd on Friday night was The Footy Show's Billy Brownless, who attended the Friday night session with a new friend, Lexi McNeil.
According to her Instagram profile, Ms McNeil works for finance brokerage Xander Finance.
Brownless will be back on air this year after it was revealed in 2016 his co-host, Garry Lyon, had a relationship with Brownless' wife, Nicky.
The fashionable Ms McNeil revealed in a 2014 interview with Style and Tonic that she has a penchant for designer shoes, specifically by Chanel and Christian Louboutin.
Ladies who brunch
One of the most photographed events on the schedule is set to be Wednesday's ladies brunch, which will see key female influencers such as WAG Nadia Bartel and models Brooke Hogan and Stephanie Claire Smith mingle over mimosas before taking in the action on centre court.
Emirates' Victorian boss, Dean Cleaver, said the brunch was an opportunity for the airline to try new event formats, given the two-week duration of the Australian Open.
Tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley will be a special guest speaker at the brunch, while Pat Rafter will address a corporate dinner that evening.
Due next week ... Nadia Bartel will lead the guest list at the ladies' brunch. Photo: Getty Images