Novak Djokovic greatly surprised Steve Smith, ran down Peter Bol and flirted with fellow reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka on an evening of enjoyable and frivolity at Melbourne Park.
He additionally swished hoops to showcase his basketball prowess, had a comfy chat with Nick Kyrgios and took cost from the umpire’s chair at Rod Laver Arena.
But the 10-time Open champion finally confirmed himself because the undisputed Melbourne Park king throughout ‘A Night with Novak and Friends’ on Thursday.
After downing Stefanos Tsitsipas in an exhibition set – a ‘rematch’ of final 12 months’s Open closing – Djokovic dazzled a capability crowd on the charity occasion and even showcased his wheelchair wizardry to assist elevate tons of of 1000’s of {dollars} for the Australian Open Foundation.
“I have to pinch myself, honestly, after so many years of professional tennis, coming back to the Rod Laver Arena is always extra special,” the 24-times grand slam champ mentioned forward of his quest to surpass Aussie legend Margaret Court as probably the most prolific singles main winner.
“I don’t take these evenings for granted … It’s a very special evening.”
Special, too, apparently for Sabalenka, who claimed “OMG, I have the best view here” whereas serving together with her associate Djokovic in a combined doubles hit-and-giggle with Tsitsipas and fellow Greek ace Maria Sakkari.
“Focus Novak, focus,” Djokovic mentioned as Sabalenka mimicked her bum-wiggling teammate whereas he tried to serve.
Cricket nice Smith and Australian Olympic athletics star Bol additionally joined within the motion.
But nobody may dethrone the Melbourne Park king.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
