Djoker’s emotional tribute to family; 16yo’s hilarious response to legend’s praise: Aus Open LIVE

Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic paid an emotional tribute to his parents after bringing up a milestone 100th match at the Australian Open on Friday night.

Meanwhile 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva earned a famous new fan in Andy Murray with her third-round heroics, and the teen sensation couldn’t believe a big shout-out from the former champion.

On a big Saturday at Melbourne Park, world number two Carlos Alcaraz headlines the daytime action on Rod Laver Arena against an impressive wildcard in Juncheng Shang, before world number one Iga Swiatek kicks off the evening session.

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‘A LOT OF ADVERSITY’: DJOKER’S EMOTIONAL ROAD TO 100

Novak Djokovic has won 10 Australian Opens and could well be on the way to his 11th this fortnight.

Last night, the Serbian great played in his 100th match at Melbourne Park, claiming his 92nd win at the tournament as he overcame Tomas Martin Etcheverry in straight sets.

Asked to reflect on his journey to an Australian Open century and his motivation throughout the years, the world no. 1 delivered an emotional tribute to his family.

“I’ll try to keep this answer as short as possible,” he began.

“I have been blessed to go through a very interesting life journey, so to say.

“Coming from Serbia during the 90s wasn’t easy for my family and my parents had to endure a lot of adversity, economically and in every sense, in order for me to live my dream.

“To allow me to play the sport that still is very expensive for our country, but at that time it was super expensive compared to some other team sports.

“I chose to play it and my parents did everything they possibly can to provide the conditions and the possibilities for me to be able to train.
“I wasn’t travelling for a couple of years in the junior days because of obviously (a) lack of resources, war, embargo, lot of different things.

“At the end of the day, when I reflect on all of the journey that I’ve been through and that we have all been through, as a family and people of Serbia, it has been honestly an incredible blessing to be here. I am very grateful for that.”

16-YEAR-OLD’S CHARMING REACTION TO MURRAY PRAISE

16-year-old Mirra Andreeva is taking the Australian Open by storm, the teen widely touted as the ‘next big thing’ in tennis roaring into fourth round on Friday with a remarkable comeback win over Frenchwoman Diane Parry 1-6 6-1 7-6(5).

Andreeva saved match point while down 5-2 in the third before sending it to a tie-break on the back of a bizarre biting act, some elite play, and impressive mental fortitude – especially to recover in the tie-break after failing to serve out the match at 6-5.

BITING BACK! 16yo sensation leaves her mark with bizarre act as Murray tweet clips commentators

Five-time Australian Open finalist Andy Murray praised the youngster as he took aim at TV commentators during the match.

“Andreeva down 5-1 in third,” he wrote on social media. “Commentator: ‘she really needs to work on mental side of her game. She’s too hard on herself when she’s losing’. 30 minutes later 7-6 Andreeva wins.”

“Maybe the reason she turned the match around is because of her mental strength,” he said.

“Maybe she turned the match around because she is hard on herself and demands more of herself when she’s losing/playing badly? Winner.”

Andreeva’s response to Murray’s praise was perfect.

“Honestly, I didn’t really think that he would watch a match, then after he would tweet, he would comment something,” she said.

“Honestly, I will try to print it out somehow. I don’t know, I will put it in a frame. I will bring it everywhere with me. I will maybe put it on the wall so I can see it every day!”

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