SUMMARY
- Novak Djokovic was involved in a memorable charitable event in Melbourne.
- Djokovic swapped his racket for a cricket bat as he squared off against Steve Smith.
The Australian Open is set to commence in a couple of days, and the anticipation around it has reached fever pitch. Serbian legend Novak Djokovic will take to the courts in Melbourne as the defending champion this year. However, he took some time off his busy schedule to gift tennis fans something very special. Novak swapped his racket for a cricket bat and managed to impress the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic has a glorious history in Melbourne, having won the Australian Open a record 10 times. He is on the hunt to win the 11th title at the venue this year. While it remains to be seen if Djokovic can repeat his success again, he participated in a charity event on January 11. At ‘A Night with Novak and Friends,” athletes like cricketer Steve Smith put him to the test.
When Novak Djokovic turned into a batsman in Melbourne
Australia has a storied history in cricket, and Djokovic proved his skills could be useful on a cricket pitch as well. Smith joined Novak on the court on Thursday, and the two greats had an enjoyable time.
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
Shane Warne’s son, Jackson Warne, joined them and bowled a couple of deliveries to Novak while he batted. In a moment of hilarity, he exchanged the bat for his racket and lobbed the ball into the stands.
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
Smith and Djokovic also played a game of tennis. The cricketer managed to impress Novak when he returned the Serb’s serve. Both players were smiling as the crowd cheered.
Djokovic showed off his basketball chops too
Novak is known for his love for basketball and is often spotted playing with his colleagues on tour. However, this time, Djokovic dazzled NBA star Alan T. Williams with his skills.
Move over, @KingJames!@DjokerNole • @alantwilliams • #AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/bMmPknbXOD
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2024
Both Novak and Alan took free throws, after which Djokovic successfully attempted a slam dunk with Williams’s assistance. The two of them then celebrated with a chest thump.
When the Serb took on an Olympic runner
Djokovic raised the difficulty level a notch higher as he took on two-time Olympic middle-distance runner Peter Bol. Peter included some drills to make it a little more challenging for Novak.
Race again in Paris? 😅@DjokerNole v @pbol800
#AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/jXgTyzhhbE
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2024
When the master finally met his match
Georgia Godwin was also present at Rod Laver Arena. The 2022 Commonwealth Games all-around and vault champion put Novak to the test.
A challenge?! This is like shelling peas for international gymnast Georgia Godwin, @DjokerNole!#AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/bXs24p8Lfj
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2024
A few weeks ago, Novak came up with a fun flexibility challenge for his fans. This time, though, Djokovic met his match in Georgia, who showed better balance than the Serb himself.
A fun time with a racket
Novak took on Stefanos Tsitsipas in a charity match as well. After securing the first set, the match changed to mixed doubles, as Djokovic teamed up with Aryna Sabalenka. Novak and Sabalenka were all laughing, with Sabalenka showing her fun side too.
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With the second set tied at 2-2, wheelchair tennis champion Heath Davidson came on court. Davidson is the current Wimbledon and US Open champion.
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Djokovic himself got in a wheelchair as the two were engaged in the game. Maria Sakkari and Davidson put Novak to the test, who struggled to return the shots.
It was a memorable night, and Novak Djokovic once again proved what a great sport he is. The Australian Open is set to commence on January 14.