[Watch] Steve Smith stuns Novak Djokovic with his return of serve in charity match ahead of 2024 Australian Open
Sporting icons Novak Djokovic and Steve Smith played some tennis at a fun charity event at Melbourne Park on Thursday, January 11.
After a few other charity tennis matches featuring some of the top men's and women's players, Djokovic and Smith decided to thrill fans with an unusual tussle. The Serb produced a body serve, in response to which Smith moved swiftly and made a solid forehand return.
Fans in the arena were stunned, with the tennis star bowing and applauding the Australian cricketer. Here is a video of the point between the duo:
Novak Djokovic's exploits in tennis are well-known. The legendary player is gunning for a 25th Grand Slam at this year's Australian Open, which starts on Monday, January 15.
Meanwhile, Steve Smith is coming off a terrific 2023 season, winning the World Test Championship (WTC) and the ODI World Cup. The 34-year-old recently made headlines for saying he wanted to open the batting in Tests after David Warner's retirement. Smith was granted the wish when the Head of Selectors confirmed his promotion up the order for the upcoming West Indies series.
Smith will also captain the ODI side in the series following the two Tests against the West Indies, since regular skipper Pat Cummins has been rested. The first Test against the West Indies begins at Adelaide on January 17.
Novak Djokovic plays a few shots with a cricket bat
The Serb was not done with the fun during the charity event, as he switched to showcasing his cricketing skills.
After missing a slower delivery that he tried to smash into the crowd, the 36-year-old hid a tennis racquet behind his back. As the bowler was about to deliver the delivery, Djokovic picked up the racquet instead of the bat and smashed the ball into the stands.
Here is a video of the incident:
Djokovic will be going for an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title and 99th overall title this month. The Serb last suffered a defeat at the tournament in 2018. He won the Australian Open in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023, and did not participate in 2022.
Earlier in the day, the tournament released the men's and women's draws. Djokovic will begin his Australian Open campaign against a qualifier, and could take on his long-time rival Andy Murray in the third round.
The top-seeded player is coming off an incredible 2023 season, winning three out of the four Grand Slams and finishing as the runner-up at Wimbledon.