Former Team India captain and batting legend Sachin Tendulkar applauded World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic and Australian star batter Steve Smith for their camaraderie during the exhibition match ahead of Australian Open 2024.
The two greats of respective sports, Djokovic and Smith treated their fans with a wonderful and light-hearted interaction at Rod Laver Arena In Melbourne Park on Thursday. They had their fans' excited when two athletes tried hands on each other's sport.
In a video posted by Australian Open on X (formerly Twitter), Djokovic can be seen in awe after Steve Smith returned near-perfect service from Serbian tennis legend. He bowed down to Australian star batter in admiration.
Sachin Tendulkar took to X to share the video and came up with humorous wordplay to express his admiration for both athletes for displaying mutual respect.
"Beautiful to see two accomplished sportsmen having a moment. The score is ‘love-all’.
However, Novak Djokovic didn't miss Tendulkar's tweet and reacted with folded hands, expressing gratitude to ex-batting icon for praising the sportsmanship between him and Steve Smith.
Novak Djokovic to begin his Australia Open title defence against Dino Prizmic
The World No.1 Novak Djokovic will enter the Australian Open 2024 as the defending champion of the tournament. The 36-year-old will begin its campaign against qualifier Dino Prizmic of Croatia. Potentially, Djokovic will meet former World No1 Andy Murray in the third round.
Novak Djokovic is clear favourites to win his record-extending 11th Australian Open after Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
Djokovic holds the record for the most Australian Open titles by a male player. He is the second after Rafael Nadal to win 10 titles at a Grand Slam in men's singles.
The Serbian tennis icon, who was three Major titles last year, will return to Melbourne Park on the 28-match unbeaten streak at season's first Grand Slam tournament.
