Stars step out for the Aussie Open player party

On the eve of the year’s first major Down Under, many of the game’s stars eased up by dressing up for the Crown IMG player’s party. Players relished the chance to get glammed up and enjoy a night out in Melbourne before the pressure of the Australian Open began.

A champion at Melbourne Park in 2014, Stan Wawrinka appeared to be in good spirits ahead of the tournament despite questions over his knee and shoulder.

He'd move past Ricardas Berankis in four sets.

Third seed Gabrine Muguruza rocked a vibrant dress to ring in a new Grand Slam season under the Melbourne sun. She won her match on Tuesday over Jessika Ponchet, 6-4, 6-3.

One of the contenders for the women’s crown, world No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki hit the red carpet with her fiancé, David Lee. She moved into Round 2 in lightning speed over Mihaela Buzarnescu.

Karolina Pliskova attended the fun evening as well. She also made quick work of her first opponent, Veronica Cepede Royg.

Petra Kvitova is a name everyone is glad to see again in Melbourne after having to miss last year’s event.  She brought her signature smile to the red carpet. It wouldn't be enough as she fell to Andrea Petkovic in dramatic fashion, 10-8 in the third on Tuesday.

French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko dawned a bold, black look as one of the younger players at the event.

And last but not least, Eugenie Bouchard made a showing in black. She would win her first match of 2018 by ousting Oceane Dodin to set up a clash with top seed Simona Halep.

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