World number 1 Novak Djokovic was stunned by cricketer Steve Smith during an exhibition match at Melbourne Park. Given the opportunity to showcase his tennis skills against the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Smith showed his fighting spirit to the Rod Laver Arena crowd. Smith and Australian middle-distance runner Peter Bol were among the stars who joined the Djokovic during one of the many charity matches that were organized before the start of the Australian Open on January 14.
The situation in which the Serbian was seriously impressed by Smith was when the ten-time champion in Melbourne was performing a light serve.The cricketeer used his great footwork to sidestep and return the ball in the court. Djokovic didn't make another shot, praising Smith's return.
For his part, the 36-year-old tennis player tried his skills with a cricket bat, but was unable to cope like Smith did with a tennis racket in hand. Djokovic missed hitting a tennis ball with the bat, but then was far more effective with a tennis racket, sending the ball flying into the crowd.
The Serb starts his campaign in Melbourne with a match against a qualifier and in the second round he faces a local favorite - the winner of the match between Alexei Popyrin and Marc Polmans. /BGNES
