Sporting personalities watching different sports outside their curriculum is a delightful crossover. In the same way, Novak Djokovic paused his Australian Open commitments to spectate his arch-rival and coach Andy Murray‘s home sport in Melbourne. What was rather fascinating was the Serb’s reaction to an impressive catch during the Melbourne Renegades vs. Melbourne Stars game.

The Serbian superstar returned to the ‘Happy Slam’ with a quest for clinching a record 11th Melbourne title and a historic chase for the 25th Grand Slam singles crown. Before commencing his run at the hardcourt mega event, Nole found it best to lay back and enjoy a cricket blockbuster at the Marvel Stadium in Docklands on Sunday. Subsequently, he marked his attendance for the Big Bash League (BBL) game, after previously recording his presence at other cricket showdowns.

It was a Melbourne Derby on Sunday, January 12, as Melbourne Renegades took on Melbourne Stars and decided to let the Marcus Stoinis-led side bat first after winning the toss. Thankfully, the Renegades’ decision played to their advantage. The Stars kept losing wickets like dominoes until they were reduced to 75/7 after 11 overs. An electrifying atmosphere at the Marvel Stadium housed prominent personalities like Djokovic and his reaction during the game was priceless.

Notably, Djokovic was left awestruck after Tom Rogers delivered the 3rd ball of the 8th over to Marcus Stoinis and when the latter hit the ball high in the air, the shot got caught at the boundary by Kane Richardson. Later, the Big Bash League posted a clip of the dismissal and Nole’s stunning reaction to their official X handle. Meanwhile, the incident also sparked a debate about whether the ball hit the roof or not.

Before Djokovic shook his head in pure disbelief and amazement at the Marvel Stadium, he walked out of a press conference after questioning of his “poisoning” claim trended online.

Novak Djokovic declined to elaborate on his “poisoning” claim in Australia

Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic directed healthy changes to his training camp after suffering a title deficit in 2024. He joined forces with arch-rival Andy Murray as his latest coaching alliance but lately, that exciting update has been overshadowed by his shocking claim. The Serb stated that he was poised during his controversial deportation saga in Australia ahead of the 2022 Australian Open.

In an interview with the GQ magazine, the Serb claimed that he suffered from elevated levels of lead and mercury in his blood following consumption of food during his stay in Melbourne. After the claim went viral, reporters questioned the Serb at Melbourne Park but, he refused to give more details. “The GQ article came out online yesterday. I think it’s a February issue, so it’s coming out in print version.”

He added, “I’ve done that interview many months ago. I would appreciate not talking more in detail about that, as I would like to focus on tennis and why I’m here. If you want to see what I’ve said and get more info on that, you can always refer to the article.” He then proceeded to walk out of the presser without taking further questions. He will now mark his attendance at Melbourne Park on Monday, January 13, as he prepares to square off against Nishesh Basavareddy.