In a recent couple of days, both sporting icons have spoken about the mutual respect and admiration they have for each other and how they have been exchanging text messages over the years.
The World No.1 Novak Djokovic made a winning start to his quest for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title with a 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 triumph against Dino Prizmic in first-round on Sunday.
"Great effort by our boys and valuable experience earned. We held them to a point of frustration throughout the first half and it was sad to concede such a goal after defending so many set pieces brilliantly," Stimac wrote on X.
Rublev overcame a significant scare to defeat the Brazilian 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(10-6) and advance to the second round in Melbourne for the eighth time in eight outings.
Star Australia batter Steve Smith opined that his team did not take him seriously when he told them that he wanted to move to the top of the batting order after David Warner's retirement.
Marsh, 40, retires from the sport following the retirement of his long-time Renegades and Aussie teammate Aaron Finch. In the last season, Marsh had called time on his first-class career with Western Australia.
Virat said that he has a lot of respect for Djokovic, his journey as a player, and his passion for fitness. He expressed hope of meeting the Serbian icon soon.
Australia demonstrated dominance throughout the game, securing a comfortable victory with goals from Craig Irwine (50') and substitute Jordan Bos (73').
Out of many incumbent players like Travis Head, the white-ball opener, Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh, who has also opened in white-ball cricket, Smith put his hands up and offered to move to the very top of the batting line-up. This new look line-up will start its journey without War