Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena turned into a cricket pitch when the current world no.1 Tennis ace Novak Djokovic took the cricket bat and the star Australian batter Steve Smith donned a tennis racquet on Thursday, January 11. Both superstars exchanged their sports to stun the fans ahead of the Australian Open 2024 tournament.
A special event, A Night with Novak & Friends, was held to kick off the first Grand Slam of the year on Thursday. Djokovic, the defending champion who has won the Australian Open record 10 times, is targeting a 25th major in the next two weeks.
Smith, who recently took the challenge of opening in Test cricket, attended an event and displayed his tennis skills. Steve Smith returned the Serbian's serve to stun the tennis ace and the crowd and then the 24-time Grand Slam winner delivered a cricket shot into the stands.
At the same event, Djokovic also entertained the crowd as he played basketball with American professional star Alan Williams at centre court. Australia's star sprinter Peter Bol also attended an event and races with Djokovic.
Meanwhile, tournament organisers announced the Australian Open draw on Thursday. Top-seeded Novak Djokovic is facing a qualifier in the first round and potentially see the three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray in the third round in the men's singles.
In women's singles, top-ranked Iga Swiatek is searching for her maiden Australian Open title but is facing a tough draw. Swiatek is facing Sofia Kenin in the first round and then potentially faces former champion Angelique Kerber.
