Australia batter Steve Smith is considered to one of the top cricketers in the world right now but it was his tennis skills that left everyone at the Rod Lever Arena in Melbourne stunned. Smith was part of a charity game involving Novak Djokovic ahead of the Australian Open and his skills left even the 24-time Grand Slam winner surprised. Novak delivered a straight serve aimed at Smith’s body but the Australian cricketer showed good footwork to return the ball perfectly as it landed inside the court. Novak was stunned by the skill Smith showed and he even gave him a small bow to show his appreciation.\

Djokovic also tried his hand in cricket but his performance was not as impressive. He tried to hit the ball out the ground but was left disappointed as he missed it completely. 

Game respects game!

(And Novak is just like the rest of us when it comes to Smudge…)@stevesmith49 • @DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/ioL8hjVSrF

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2024

Djokovic was drawn Thursday against a qualifier or lucky loser to begin his bid for an 11th Australian Open crown, and could meet fellow Grand Slam champion Andy Murray in the third round.

The Serbian, who has won 24 majors, defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in last year’s final then added the French and US Open titles to his collection.

But the 36-year-old will begin his defence under an injury cloud after a wrist problem hampered him at the United Cup, where he lost to Australian Alex De Minaur.