Australian Open 2022: Aussie Tristan Schoolkate hit with Novak Djokovic before world No.1 was deported

With the Novak Djokovic visa debacle reaching its feverish peak, a young Aussie was called on to help the world No.1 break out of his hotel detention malaise.

It’s the text message that has the potential to change a career.

“Hi Tristan, are you available to have a hit on Rod Laver Arena with Novak Djokovic this afternoon?”.

An hour with the most talked about, and in-demand, man on the planet, that doubles as a chance to pick the brain of arguably the greatest player in history?

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Tristan Schoolkate relished his one hour practising with Novak Djokovic.

For 20-year-old West Australian Tristan Schoolkate, this one was a no-brainer.

“Absolutely, you’re not going to turn down the No.1 in the world,” he told News Corp.

With the Djokovic visa debacle reaching its feverish peak, Schoolkate was called on by the embattled world No.1 to jump on Centre Court at Melbourne Park and help him break out of his hotel detention malaise.

Sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, right?

Well, it’s not even the first time for Schoolkate – who missed out on reaching his maiden grand slam main draw after going down in the Australian Open qualifying rounds, but secured a guaranteed $45,000 payday when he and Rinky Hijikata reached the doubles second round on Wednesday.

“I actually hit with Novak two years ago to warm-up for one of his matches,” said Schoolkate, who added that his hit list also includes Alexander Zverev, Diego Schwartzman and John Isner over the past few years.

“It’s nice to get a little mix of top guys and to see where the level is at and strive for the best.

“I’ve watched plenty of his matches, where he’s had some epic matches on Rod Laver Arena.

Novak Djokovic and his entourage get some time for training in Melbourne.

“He’s won a lot of Australian Opens, and next to Rafa Nadal at the French you could say the next dominant is Novak at the Aussie Open.

“I’ve watched a lot of his matches, but to be out there hitting with him is quite special.

“I was pretty surprised that he actually got sent back home, but hopefully I can play him one day.”

For Schoolkate, who has designs on making it big on the pro tour, the chance to work with Djokovic – and watch up-close his interaction with coaches Goran Ivanisovic and Marian Vajda – was priceless.

“As an aspiring pro and a young guy, I’m trying to learn all the time and try and improve,” he said.

“Any sort of little pointers I notice his coach telling him, and I’m trying to watch him while I’m training and trying to focus on myself and improve myself.

Djokovic with coach Goran Ivanisevic in Melbourne.

“But he’s probably got the best backhand in the world and he moves incredibly.

“I’m watching little things and trying to learn and implement that into my game.

“It can definitely help if you can pick and choose from other players and hopefully try and make your own brand unique.”