Novak Djokovic gets appreciation from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar for playing tennis with Steve Smith at Australian Open 2024 charity

Novak Djokovic (L), Steve Smith (R) and Sachin Tendulkar (Inset)
Novak Djokovic (L), Steve Smith (R) and Sachin Tendulkar (Inset)

Novak Djokovic had a great time at the charity event of the 2024 Australian Open on January 11, trying his hands at various sports. Notably, the Serb's tennis moment with Australian cricket legend Steve Smith caught the attention of another renowned name in the gentleman's game — Sachin Tendulkar.

During their time on the hardcourt at Rod Laver Arena, Smith successfully returned Djokovic's serve, impressing everyone in attendance. Recognizing the impressive feat, the 24-time Grand Slam champion bowed down to the Aussie.

The wholesome incident elicited applause from the captivated audience and Tendulkar, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts. The former Indian captain wrote:

"Beautiful to see two accomplished sportsmen having a moment. The score is ‘love-all’. @stevesmith49 @DjokerNole."

Djokovic later responded to Tendulkar's remarks on the same social media platform, using a couple of praying hand emojis:


"It’s hard to see anyone beating Novak Djokovic in Melbourne" - Laura Robson

2023 Australian Open: Men's Champion Photocall
2023 Australian Open: Men's Champion Photocall

Former British tennis pro Laura Robson recently stated that it is difficult to see anyone defeating Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, pointing out how the World No. 1 has a devoted fanbase and a particularly strong game on the hardcourts in Melbourne.

"It’s hard to see anyone beating him in Melbourne," the former World No. 27 said, as per Tennis365. "There is something here that works for his game and the fans are just crazy Novak Djokovic supporters here. You don’t really see that anywhere else in the world. I just feel he loves playing here."

Robson then addressed the Serb's wrist injury suffered at the United Cup a week ago, saying:

"He is struggling with this forearm issue at the moment, but he has had that before. So I assume he knows how to manage it and will be ready in time."

Djokovic is the most successful player in Australian Open history after Margaret Court. The Serb has won 10 titles at the Happy Slam So far, while the Aussie has won 11, albeit not all in the Open Era.

The 36-year-old will begin his quest for a record 11th title in Melbourne on Sunday (January 14) against 18-year-old qualifier Dino Prizmic. If Djokovic advances, he could face Alexei Popyrin, Andy Murray and Ben Shelton in the next three rounds, as well as Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev and Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals, respectively.

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Edited by Pritha Ghosh
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