Australian Open: Novak Djokovic praises Steve Smith as Aussie star showcases his tennis skills - Video
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic praises Steve Smith as Aussie star showcases his tennis skills - Video
Steve Smith, who has started making headlines after his recent promotion as an opener in the Australian Test side was spotted at Melbourne Park on Thursday (Jan 11), ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Smith took part in a charity match where he went head-to-head with 24-time Grand Slam champion and World No 1 Novak Djokovic. The duo exchanged some tough rallies with the racket while Djokovic later took the bat in his hand to entertain the crowd.
Face-off at Melbourne Park
In a serve delivered by World No 1, Smith was able to return upon which the Serb did not find an answer and surrendered a point. He was in awe of his skills with the racket and was seen applauding himon the video posted by the social media handle of the Australian Open.
The Serbian star and 10-time Australian Open champion then tooka cricket bat in his hand with legendary spinner Shane Warne’s son Jackson bowling. Novak missed one of the deliveries after which he took his tennisracket to hit the ball in the crowd, which was applauded by the locals sitting at the Rod Laver Arena.
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Novak prepares for record-breaking title
With 24 Grand Slam titles, Novak is tied with Australian great Margaret Court for most Grand Slam victories. A win for the 36-year-old will see him become the most successful tennis player in history with most singles titles. He will alsolevel Court’s record for most Australian Open titles with 11 wins. Currently Novak has 10Australian Open titles. He lastlost a match at Melbourne Park in 2018.
Smith’s performance with Australian cricket side
Smith has been part of the Australian side for over a decade and has three years of good cricket left in him. Nearing 10,000 Test runs, Smith’s new role could see him score from more runs for the national side. Only Ricky Ponting (41) has more Test hundreds than Smith (32) for Australia while he is also the fourth-highest runscorer for the Baggy Greens with 9,514 in 105 Tests.
Smith’s promotion to top order also means that Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris will have to wait for their turn to get into the Test team. Harris was backed by Warner to succeed him while Bancroft has been in excellent touch in Sheffield Shield.
