WATCH- ‘Gobsmacked’ Novak Djokovic left stunned by Marcus Stoinis’ towering shot; video goes viral (Photo Source – BBL/Twitter)
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic was present at the Docklands Stadium on Sunday, January 12, to witness the clash between Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL 2024-25). The tennis legend couldn’t believe his eyes when Stars’ all-rounder Marcus Stoinis hit a towering shot that almost hit the roof, before nestling into the hands of the long-on fielder.
This incident took place in the eighth over of the first innings when Stoinis hit a slot delivery from Tom Rogers straight down the ground. The ball went a long way up in the air and almost touched the roof before falling into the hands of Kane Richardson, who didn’t have to move an inch at long-on.
As a result, many in the stands couldn’t believe how the enormous hit failed to clear the boundary. Djokovic was certainly one of them. The official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle of the BBL shared a clip of the dismissal, with the cameras focusing on Djokovic’s reaction.
Check out Novak Djokovic’s reaction on Stoinis’s shot here:
Even @DjokerNole couldn’t believe this!
Marcus Stoinis gets caught after hitting a high ball, and Novak Djokovic reacts accordingly! #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/7eaGv3xLza
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 12, 2025
Djokovic is currently in Melbourne as he is looking to win his 11th Australian Open title. He has been spotted enjoying cricket matches and has been visibly captivated by the dynamics of the sport.
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Melbourne Stars recovered from a precarious stage at 75/7 to post 165 in the first innings. This was after Renegades captain Will Sutherland won the toss and opted to field first. Glenn Maxwell played a blinder of a knock as he slammed 90 off 52 balls and helped the Stars put up a fighting total on the board.
In reply, Renegades lost wickets at regular intervals before being bowled out for 123. Mark Steketee was the star of the show with the ball in hand as he finished with figures of 5/17 in four overs. Joel Paris also bagged a three-for. Meanwhile, Peter Siddle and Beau Webster picked up one wicket apiece.