In my nearly 50 years of fandom, I don't think there's ever been someone who has loved the sport of tennis as much as Novak Djokovic. I can see "disliking" him for winning so much -- it's natural if you favor another player -- but you have to be pretty cold not to appreciate his enthusiasm, which is to say nothing of his showmanship. Lots of proof BELOW.
An all-star sporting line-up featuring cricketer Steve Smith and track star Peter Bol joined Novak Djokovic for a blockbuster Australian Open charity match last night. Commonwealth Games gold medalist gymnast Georgia Godwin, American NBL star and former NBA player Alan Williams of South East Melbourne Phoenix, and late cricketing great Shane Warne’s son, Jackson, also participated in the sold-out event on Rod Laver Arena. Defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, top Greek players Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari and Aussie wheelchair tennis player Heath Davidson rounded out “a night with Novak and friends” -- the second of three charity matches held as part of AO Opening Week.
The fundraiser for children’s charities through the Australian Tennis Foundation saw the participants play a mix of tennis and other sports, with Djokovic trying his hand at cricket with Smith, basketball with Williams, running drills with Bol and stretches with Godwin. He also danced his way on to Rod Laver Arena, occupied the umpire’s chair and had a crack at playing wheelchair tennis. Godwin posted on social media afterwards: “Taking Novak through some basic stretches was something I never thought I’d do.”
Smith -- an avid tennis fan who was confirmed this week as Australia’s new opening batter for the upcoming Adelaide Test against the West Indies -- also earned cheers from the crowd and applause from Djokovic after returning the 10-time Australian Open winner’s serve. Injured Aussie Nick Kyrgios also made a cameo at the charity event, interviewing Djokovic for a live episode of his new podcast, Good Trouble.
Some highlights below, including Nole's booty call!
No comments:
Post a Comment