Hollywood superstar De Armas flies in to play 'random' role in Australian Open

28 January 2024 , 20:52

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Ana de Armas helped introduce the Australian Open trophy

Hollywood superstar Ana de Armas found herself playing a major role at the Australian Open as she introduced the trophy to the crowd before it was later claimed by champion Jannik Sinner.

De Armas jetted in to play her role alongside Jim Courier, who was a two-time winner in Melbourne, at the Rod Laver Arena. The Cuban-Spanish actress' involvement certainly came as a surprise as she walked out to help present the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, which was produced from a Louis Vuitton box.

After De Armas and Courier took the trophy to the middle of the court the crowd were treated to a Moulin Rouge musical number as part of the pre-match entertainment before Sinner and Daniil Medvedev walked out to contest the final.

There were a host of celebrities sitting inside Rod Laver Arena which included Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Australian actor Eric Bana and former All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter. They were treated to a sensational five-set affair which ended with the Italian lifting the trophy.

Sinner had beaten Novak Djokovic with a stunning display in the semi-final on Friday night, but was up against a man in Medvedev who has already won a Grand Slam and was now appearing in his third Australian Open. The Russian raced into a two-set lead and looked good value for his victory.

Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear

The Italian produced a magic comeback though that ended with him claiming a 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 success. "It feels great. I just have to process it, I guess, how it feels the first time," Sinner told Australia's Channel Nine. "It has been a hell of a journey even if I'm still only 22."

Sinner has been threatening this success for several seasons during his rapid rise. He made the ATP Finals at the back end of last year, losing to Djokovic, and had also made it to at least the quarter-finals in four of his last eight Grand Slam appearances.

Jannik Sinner emerged victorious in the final (AFP via Getty Images)

Medvedev has now suffered a second Australian Open final defeat when being two sets up. The Russian led Rafael Nadal by two sets back in 2022 before the Spaniard enjoyed a memorable comeback to break Medvedev's resolve.

He said after his latest defeat: "I want to thank my team supporting me every day and every night. Dasha [his wife] and [daughter] Alisa if you are watching I am sorry I couldn’t make it today but I am going to try next time for you.

"Just want to thank everyone it’s been an amazing two weeks. It hurts to lose in the final but being in the final is better than losing before. I’m proud of myself and I’m going to try even harder next time."

Samuel Meade