IMG Players' Party At Crown

On the eve of the Australian Open, IMG hosted their annual bash for players and local celebrities alike. While strict schedules meant most players were unable to stop for a chat, all of them dressed up to the nines for the event and posed for photos on the red carpet. French restaurant, Breezes, was transformed into a Chinese-themed party with drinks flowing and a gourmet barbeque on offer. 

Ryan Harrison was the first to arrive and although I would have preferred it if he had tucked in his shirt, he still looked pretty damn handsome. 

Ryan chatted to us for a few minutes: 

Kait: What's your New Year's Resolution?

Ryan: That's a good one. I'd probably just have to say improve my ranking, just keep improving. My life revolves around my tennis so most of my resolutions have to do with my goals and aspirations (on the court).

Kait: What was your New Year's Resolution last year and did you achieve it?

Ryan: My New Year's Resolution last year was to not get any fines and that was successful, so that was a good one that I kept. 

Kait: Well done. If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive who would they be?

Ryan: Oh man that's tough. First one's Drew Brees, plays quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, my favourite football team. I would say... ah, gosh, maybe Brad Pitt and... have to go with... Jessica Alba. 

Kait: Why Jessica Alba (laughing)?

Ryan: Well she's obviously renowned for her...

Kait: Talent?

Ryan: Looks. (Laughing)

Kait: Thank you Ryan and good luck for the Open.

Sabine Lisicki made her appearance in a stunning orange dress and black blazer. 

Kait: Hi Sabine I just have a couple of quick questions. Do you have a New Year's Resolution?

Sabine: Um, well I think the most important thing is to stay healthy. And the New Year's Resolution is to run down every single ball!

Kait: Did you have a New Year's Resolution last year?

Sabine: Not really, no. 

Kait: How would you describe your fashion style off the court?

Sabine: It depends on my mood, but probably 'classy.' And sometimes just 'chilled out,' whatever I am up to. 

Michael (my cameraman): What's your biggest ever serve?

Sabine: My biggest ever serve was 210km/hr. That was pretty good! 

Bonus points to Lisicki for matching her toenail polish to her dress!

With most players rushing through due to matches scheduled for the next day, the last player I was able to chat with was Daniela Hantuchova.

Kait: Hi Daniela. Do you have a New Year's Resolution?

Daniela: Not to have one! (laughing)

Kait: Did you have one last year?

Daniela: Yeah last year was just trying to stay healthy, which didn't happen throughout the whole year but this year I just decided my resolution is not to have one.

Kait: How would you describe your off court style?

Daniela: Just easy and simple, like easy tops and jeans. But of course you know for occasions like this I like to dress up nicely. 

Kait: Do you have one beauty product you can't leave the house without?

Daniela: Sunscreen obviously!

Kait: Good answer. If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive who would they be?

Daniela: Oo. That's a toughy. I think Brad Pitt! (Laughing) That's an obvious one! Nelson Mandela. And the third one, my mum!

Although unable to do interviews, Li Na posed for lots of photos with the Chinese dragons. She wore what was possibly my favourite outfit of the night with loosely curled hair.

Last to arrive was Shane Warne with his beautiful fiance Elizabeth Hurley. For those not in the know, Warne is a cricketer who used to look like this before Hurley got her hands on him.  

More photos from the night:

Lisicki with a Chinese dragonHeather Watson

Heather Watson's shoes

Maria Sharapova

Sharapova's shoesAnastasia PavlyuchenkovaPat Rafter working the cameraJanko TipsarevicThank you to IMG for the great night.

All photos are copyright of Onthegotennis.com and Kait O'Callahan. If you wish to use them please credit us.