Novak and Friends! When Djokovic and Steve Smith switched roles ahead of Australian Open 2024
The late Shane Warne’s son, Jackson, was also at the event in Melbourne alongside a host of other stars in the charity event called ‘Novak and Friends.’
Tennis
Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic and Australian Test batsman Steve Smith switched roles ahead of the Australian Open 2024 tennis tournament in Melbourne on Thursday.
The two entertained crowds at the Rod Laver Arena ahead of the opening Grand Slam of the year. The charity event was called ‘Novak and Friends.’
Grand Slam record holder Novak Djokovic also engaged in fun sporting activities with notable names like Olympic middle-distance runner Peter Bol, American basketball player Alan Williams and Aussie gymnast Georgia Godwin. Tennis players Aryna Sabalenka, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari were also at the ‘Novak and Friends’ charity event.
After a series of events, Djokovic ‘encountered’ former Australian Test captain Steve Smith. The Aussie started with the usual batting ritual - taking guard in front of the net while the Serb - a self-proclaimed spinner - prepared to bowl.
After a wide first ball, Smith whacked the second - a half volley - into the roaring crowd. Smith, among the world’s leading batsmen, whacked another widish delivery straight to the galleries.
Then Djokovic traded his racket for a cricket bat. The willow is not easy to serve and volley. The tennis legend missed the first ball but managed to pull the second one into the crowd!
Jackson Warne, the son of the late spin wizard Shane Warne, then took over bowling duties. Djokovic promptly sent the first ball into the stands for a “six” before missing out on the next two deliveries.
Djokovic then returned to his favourite tennis racket and much to the delight of the Melbourne Park turnout.
Novak Djokovic went head-to-head with Steve Smith and several others in exhibition ties. Smith even managed to return a full-fledged Djokovic serve. The tennis star bowed down to the cricketer’s effort.
Djokovic is the top seed in the men’s singles at the Australian Open. The 36-year-old has won a record 24 Grand Slams in his career, more than any other male player in tennis history.
Last year, Djokovic beat Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas to win his 10th Australian Open title.
The draws for the Australian Open 2024 were announced earlier in the day. Djokovic will start his campaign against a qualifier. The Serb could face Britain’s Andy Murray in the third round and Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals.
The main draw of the Australian Open starts on Sunday.