Watch: Novak Djokovic praises Steve Smith’s shot in a friendly tennis match

One of the modern greats and former Australia skipper Steve Smith showcased his tennis skills during a friendly match against Novak Djokovic at Melbourne Park. Smith even enthralled fans and Djokovic as well after successfully returning one of the Serbian legend’s serves on the centre court. Smith’s stupendous shot surprised everyone and Djokovic himself bowed down to the Aussie batter. Smith’s performance was even shared by the official handle of the Australian Open. “Game respects game! (And Novak is just like the rest of us when it comes to Smudge,” read the post shared by the Australian Open on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Game respects game!

(And Novak is just like the rest of us when it comes to Smudge...)@stevesmith49 • @DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/ioL8hjVSrF

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2024

Later, Djokovic also changed his role and tried his hand at a game of cricket on the centre court. Djokovic failed to connect the first ball and implemented a crazy strategy next. While facing the next delivery, the 36-year-old threw away his bat and instead picked up a racquet to hit the ball. The ploy did work as the Serb managed to smash the ball. “Is it too late to add him to the Test squad?! From the sounds of it the selectors are open to trying things out,” the official handle of the Australian Open posted sharing a video of Djokovic’s batting.

Is it too late to add him to the test squad?! From the sounds of it the selectors are open to trying things out...@DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/VAJq2KFShr

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2024

A report published by Herald Sun claimed that an all-star sporting line-up, comprising Smith and Australian middle-distance runner Peter Bol, will join Djokovic for an Australian Open charity match on Thursday night. The article went on to report that other big names like Commonwealth Games gold medal winner Georgia Godwin and American NBL star Alan Williams will also take part in the event, scheduled to take place at the Rod Laver Arena. Read | Djokovic has wrist injury, Alcaraz, Sinner as prime obstacles in quest for 11th AO title Having won the Australian Open a total of 10 times including in 2023, Djokovic will now be aiming to win the title once again this time. Playing to claim his 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic arrived in Australia with a right wrist injury. Djokovic will enters the Australian Open having without suffering a defeat in the competition since 2018. He has a stellar 20-0 record in semi-finals and finals at Melbourne Park.