Steve Smith, Peter Bol, join Novak Djokovic for AO Opening Week charity match
Novak Djokovic danced, shot hoops, played cricket, did the splits and more in a crazy night on Rod Laver Arena. SEE THE PICTURES
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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 medallist 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, presented by the Herald Sun.
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.
Aussie No.1 Alex de Minaur defeated world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz in the first Opening Week charity match on Wednesday night, in front of a near-full Rod Laver Arena.
The in-form Melbourne Park favourite prevailed 6-4 5-7 (10-3) in a high-quality contest.
Alcaraz will return for the third charity match on Friday night, taking on world No.11 Casper Ruud.
Tickets are still available for this clash, starting from $20, via Ticketmaster.
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