Steve Smith surprised the 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in an exhibition match held ahead of the Australian Open at the Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park. The event ‘A Night With Novak and Friends’ was hosted by the Serb Ace Tennis player as part of a charity, featured superstars from different sports which included Smith, Australia Gymnast Georgia Godwin, 800m runner Peter Bol, and Allen Williams from the NBL’s South East Melbourne Phoenix all challenged Djokovic to sample their sports, as well as face a serve from 24-time champion.
Steve Smith impress Novak Djokovic at Australian Open
Sharing the court with the highest Grand Slam champion, the right handed batter displayed his cricketing skills in Tennis. Steve Smith produced a jaw dropping moment when he gently returned a full pace serve from the World No.1 in the very first try. Surprisingly, the ball landed well within the court boundaries, which left Djokovic to applaud Smith and even bow down to the cricket legend.
Game respects game!
(And Novak is just like the rest of us when it comes to Smudge…)@stevesmith49 • @DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/ioL8hjVSrF
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2024
Novak Djokovic tries his hand at cricket
Novak Djokovic later had a go at cricket, a quite popular sport in Australia. He face a couple of balls from the late Spin Wizard Shane Warne’s son Jackson. He failed to make a contact on the first attempt but later replaced the cricket bat with his racquet and able to send the ball into the stands.
Is it too late to add him to the test squad?! From the sounds of it the selectors are open to trying things out…@DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/VAJq2KFShr
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2024
Novak Djokovic and Steve Smith set with new challenges
The Australian batsmen is all set to don the new role in Tests as he was picked as an opener to filled the void left by the retirement of David Warner. He was also named as the ODI captain in the series against West Indies as Pat Cummins was rested considering his work load.
Djokovic on the hand hand is all prepared to defend his title and looking determined to win a record 11th title at the Australian Open. Having won 3 out of 4 Grand Slam titles last year, Djokovic hunt for the ultimate glory starts this year along with the Olympic gold.
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