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Djokovic a good sport while raising money for Serbian education

Returning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic has been put to the test by some of Australia's leading sporting stars.

Novak Djokovic attempts cricket

Source: TENNIS AUSTRALIA

Trading his racquet for a cricket bat, tennis world number two Novak Djokovic showed he's a good sport in every sense of the word while raising money for children's education in Serbia.

Djokovic accepted the challenge of facing some of Australia's greatest sporting heros on their terms, not just in cricket - but AFL and netball too.

It was to raise money for his charity, which has funded the building of 18 schools in Serbia - and Djokovic said they're not done yet.

"Unfortunately over 50 per cent of children don't attend any programs or pre-school, kindergartens. So that's the mission of our foundation," he said.

Novak Djokovic attempts spin bowl
AO 2017 An Evening with Novak - Novak Djokovic attempts spin bowl Source: TENNIS AUSTRALIA

First up at 'A Night with Novak' was Shane Warne. 

The retired Australian spin bowler stumped the Djoker on the first bowl, but after swapping his cricket bat for a tennis racquet, Djokovic finished with a six.

The Djoker showed off his skills in AFL, netball and football, finishing with a match against wheelchair tennis triple Paralympic gold medalist Dylan Alcott.

Then it was back to work on Rod Laver Arena, with the reigning champion chasing Australian Open title number seven and the record for the greatest male singles champion the sport has ever had.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic looks to make a forehand return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Serbias Novak Djokovic looks to make a forehand return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) Source: AP

"I think maybe this is the year, you know it's 2017 for seven, I don't know I'm not a numerologist but it sounds good," he said.


2 min read

Published

Updated

By Abby Dinham


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