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Topics: Tennis, Novak Djokovic, Australian Open, Carlos Alcaraz
John McDougall
Topics: Tennis, Novak Djokovic, Australian Open, Carlos Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic has been praised for a touching moment before taking on Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final.
Djokovic stands alone at the top of the Grand Slam champions list in tennis with a record 24 titles under his belt across the four major tournaments.
The 38-year-old has won the Australian Open a record 10 times and is seeking his 11th crown by taking on world number one Alcaraz.
The 22-year-old Spaniard has six Grand Slams in his career so far, but is yet to win in Melbourne, having won the French Open, US Open and Wimbledon twice each.
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Djokovic is seen as one of - if not the best - male tennis players of all time, having played in a golden era against the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
Out of the so-called 'Big Four', Djokovic is the only player still active, after Federer, Nadal and Murray have all retired in recent years.
Alcaraz meanwhile is one of the biggest tennis stars in the world and in the past couple of years has began a friendly rivalry with Italian Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic booked his place in today's final by defeating Sinner, while Alcaraz overcame German Alexander Zverev.
But before taking on Alcaraz, Djokovic has had praise heaped upon him for spending time with a young cancer survivor.
The Serbian met Imogen, who is now 12 and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when she was aged just eight.
She has won her battle with the illness and helps to raise awareness of the disease and fundraise to help other young cancer sufferers.
Imogen has named Djokovic as her favourite player and the Serbian learned about her during this year's tournament.
He arranged for Imogen to watch him in action in his own box at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, before meeting her after a match.
She said: "You did really well, it was a really good match. I'm really, like, speechless.
'What does tennis mean to you?"
Djokovic replied: "That is a really good and deep question.
"In a sense it means everything because I've dedicated my whole life to it.
"If you really like it, I recommend it. I will be happy to be your mentor. We should hit some tennis balls."
Djokovic signed several items for Imogen and went down to hit balls with her on the tennis court.
And Djokovic's action has seen him win plaudits from tennis fans on social media.
One wrote: "So sweet and thrilled that she got to meet him, wishing her all the very best, she is a true inspiration and incredibly brave."
Others described the moment as 'lovely' and 'beautiful'.