"The score is ‘love-all’" - Sachin Tendulkar praises Steve Smith and Novak Djokovic's camaraderie with humorous wordplay

Star Australian cricketer Steve Smith and legendary tennis player Novak Djokovic treated fans of both sports with their wonderful interaction at the Rod Laver Arena ahead of the 2024 edition of the Australian Open.

The two athletes displayed incredible mutual respect and had fans on their feet when they tried each other's sport. In a video posted by the official handle of the Australian Open on X (formerly known as Twitter), Djokovic was seen playing tennis with Smith.

A near-perfect service return from Steve Smith made Novak Djokovic admire the Australian batter in awe. Legendary former Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar took to X to share the video and also inserted a cheeky wordplay to express his delight over the mutual respect that the two sportspersons shared.

Here's what he quoted the video with:

"Beautiful to see two accomplished sportsmen having a moment. The score is ‘love-all’. 🏏🎾

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Steve Smith is set to open for Australia in Tests

With David Warner having called time on his Test career, Australia will have a new opener in the longest format and it is none other than Steve Smith. There has been a lot of talk about why it may not be a great move, especially given all the success Smith has had batting at No.4 in Tests.

However, speaking during the Big Bash League encounter between the Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder, Steve Smith explained why he wanted to open the batting.

"I think since Marnus Labuschagne has been in the team in particular, batting at number three and doing magnificent job. I've been sat there waiting for a long time (when batting at four), and I'm not a good waiter. When you're opening the batting there's none of that, you just get out there and get into your business," he said.

Smith later also claimed that he had informed coach Andrew McDonald and skipper Pat Cummins that he wanted to open the batting and that Cameron Green could be a great No.4.