Renowned for his tennis dominance, Novak Djokovic showcased a different facet of his sporting prowess on Thursday ahead of the 2024 Australian Open. The special event, titled ‘A Night with Novak and Friends,’ unfolded on the iconic center court in Melbourne, featuring Djokovic in a tennis dual with cricket star Steve Smith and engaging in various other sports.
The Serbian tennis maestro, who proudly holds ten Australian Open titles, took part in the event alongside well-known personalities including Olympic runner Peter Bol, basketball star Alan Williams, and Australian gymnast Georgia Godwin. The star-studded gathering also featured fellow tennis players Aryna Sabalenka, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Maria Sakkari.
A highlight of the evening was Djokovic’s face-off against Australian cricket sensation Steve Smith. In a video clip shared by the Australian Open’s official social media handles, Djokovic served powerfully to Smith, who skillfully returned the serve, leaving both the crowd and Djokovic astonished. The Serbian, acknowledging Smith’s impressive feat, bowed down, earning cheers and applause from the captivated audience.
In another entertaining moment, Djokovic was seen showcasing his cricket skills on the center court. After being initially beaten, he spontaneously swapped his bat for a tennis racquet mid-way through the bowler’s delivery stride, effortlessly dispatching the ball into the crowd. The event not only highlighted Djokovic’s versatility but also provided a unique and entertaining experience for fans eagerly anticipating the Australian Open.
