Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic will bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam when he defends his Australia Open title later this month in Melbourne. Ahead of the Australia Open, Djokovic played an exhibition match with Stefanos Tsitsipas, the man he beat at last year's final at the Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic also hosted a host of Australian celebrities during the even, including Australian cricketer Steve Smith. He also played cricket with Smith and late great Shane Warne's son Jackson. The 36-year-old also revealed that he is in contact with star India batter Virat Kohli through text messaging, despite not meeting him in person.
"Virat Kohli and I have been texting a bit for a few years. We never got a chance to meet in person, but it was really an honour and a privilege to hear him speak nicely about me. I obviously admire all of his career and achievements. I started to play cricket, but I'm not very good at it. But I have a task to perfect my cricket skills before I come to India, and don't embarrass myself, when I'm there," Djokovic said in a video uploaded by Sony Sports Network.
Djokovic also opened up on his experience of trying his hands on cricket, adding that he will try to improve his skills before visiting India again.
"I started to play cricket, obviously not good at it. Let's say I have a task to improve my cricketing skills before I get to India so that I don't embarrass myself," he added.
Djokovic begins his Australian Open defence against a teenage qualifier on Sunday.
The world number one is an overwhelming favourite, with a sore wrist that cast a shadow over his build-up no longer troubling him.
He should have few problems progressing from his evening clash on Rod Laver Arena against 18-year-old Croat Dino Prizmic, who is making his main draw Slam debut.
However, his first real test could come in the third round, with a potential blockbuster showdown against fellow veteran Andy Murray.
(With AFP Inputs)