Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic attended the 32nd match of Big Bash League 2024-25 between Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades. The match was played at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne.
Djokovic enjoyed a game with plenty of fours and sixes. However, he was left shocked when the Stars went all-out Marcus Stoinis almost hit the roof of the stadium. During the eighth over of the game, Tom Rogers hit a length ball to the slot outside the off stump.
Marcus Stoinis saw an opportunity and lined up to knock the ball out of the park with all his might. However, the ball wasn’t just high, it was high. It traveled for miles in the air before settling on his hands Kane Richardson long-ten right border edge.
The ball almost touched the roof and Marcus Stoinis couldn’t believe his catch in the deep. Even Novak Djokovic, who participated in this match, could not believe how Stoinis was kicked out and was shocked.
See: Glenn Maxwell stuns cricket world with record 122 sixes and maximum hat-trick in BBL
Watch: Novak Djokovic shocked after Marcus Stoinis almost hit the roof
Even @DjhekerNhele I couldn’t believe it!
Marcus Stoinis is caught after hitting a high ball and Novak Djokovic reacts accordingly! #BBL14 pic.twitter.chem/7eaGv3xLZa
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 12, 2025
It was a reaction to the taste of tennis legend Novak Djokovic. It should be noted that Novak Djokovic is currently participating in the Australian Open to participate in the first grand slam tournament of the year in Melbourne. He last won the Australian Open in 2023, but lost in the semifinals last year.
Glenn Maxwell powers Melbourne Stars with historic knock
Meanwhile, Melbourne Renegades won the toss and elected to field first at home. They got off to the perfect start as they dismissed goalkeeper Sam Harper early on. Renegades picked up two more wickets in quick succession which included a big wicket Ben Duckett.
Stars were further reduced to 75-7 and their innings looked set to fold quickly. Skipper Marcus Stoinis was dismissed for hitting 1 four and 2 sixes in 18 off 10 balls. However, Glenn Maxwell had other ideas. The tight right-hander showed he still has it and played a blinder under pressure.
He took on Usama Mir as his batting partner but consistently held the bat to keep the innings going. Maxwell scored a magnificent 90 off just 52 deliveries with 4 fours and 10 sixes to guide his team to 165. He really entertained the crowd by playing one of the most memorable shots in the history of the tournament.
Melbourne Renegades fall well short
In reply, Melbourne Renegades also started poorly and lost early wickets. Fast bowlers Mark Steketee and Joel Paris spoiled the Renegades batting to reduce them to 44-4. A brief partnership between Tim Seifert and Will Sutherland followed, but the latter’s wicket began another collapse.
Renegades continued to lose wickets from this point and were finally bowled out for 123 with just one ball to spare. Left-arm seamer Joel Paris finished with 3-13 in four overs while Mark Steketee took 5-17.
