Anthony Albanese ‘cozy’ against Peter Costello at the Australian Open upsets Twitter

Tennis, or at least front-row seats at a grand slam, brought together two old political rivals — and left-wing Twitter users see red.

A photo of Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sitting next to former Liberal treasurer Peter Costello during Saturday night’s Australian Open women’s final in Melbourne sparked anger from the prime minister’s supporters on the social media platform.

Mr. Albanese and Mr. Costello looked very relaxed in each other’s company as they watched Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka win her first major against Elena Rybakina.

Mr Costello and Mr Albanese seem to be having a serious talk during the Australia Open women’s final

Twitter users were anything but relaxed about the situation.

“Reports of Albo playing tennis with Peter Costello really make me feel uncomfortable,” one person wrote.

“Look, I’m cracking up because he sat next to Peter Costello,” said another candidly.

Twitter users were quick to voice their displeasure when they saw the Prime Minister sitting with an old political foe

‘You know what? I’m not surprised. I feel more than uncomfortable; it makes me sick,” said another.

“Your skin would crawl,” another wrote.

A lot of people went back to an old quote from Mr. Albanese that he likes to ‘fight Tories (conservatives). That’s what I do.’

‘Albo is on the tennis court with Peter Costello. That’s what fighting Tories looks like, I guess?’ commented one Twitter user sarcastically.

The Prime Minister proved himself a devoted tennis fan as he attended three nights of the Australian Open, including Sunday night’s final, where he snapped photos between partner Jodie Haydon (left) and Tennis Australia president Jayne Hrdlicka

Mr Costello was back at tennis on Sunday evening, but this time he sat with opposition leader Peter Dutton

A few were quick to read political significance into the seating arrangements.

“More proof that Labor has gone LNP lite… Why was Albo also sitting next to Peter Costello in the women’s tennis final?” one wrote.

Some tried to rationalize Mr Albanese’s actions.

My mother always said, ‘Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer’. I like to think this is what he does,” one Twitter user wrote.

Mr Albanese drinks a beer with Ms Hrdlicka (center) at the Australia Open on Friday night before the men’s semifinal

A number of people noted that Mr Costello, who was treasurer during the Howard government from 1996 to 2007, still holds important positions such as chairman of the Australian Open broadcaster Nine and also the government-owned Future Fund .

Albanese, an avid social tennis player, was back at the Australian Open on Sunday night for the men’s final alongside his partner Jodie Haydon.

Mr Costello was also back, but this time sat next to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, while Mr Albanese was flanked by Tennis Australia chairman and Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka.

It was the third night Mr Albanese had taken his place in the stands from Rod Laver, as he also attended the men’s semi-final between American Tommy Paul and eventual tournament winner Novak Djokovic on Friday evening.