EX-MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea star Juan Mata paid a special guest visit to the Australian Open to watch Novak Djokovic.
Mata, 37, has been Down Under since 2024 when he joined A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers, but now stars for Melbourne Victory.
But having played for Victory in their injury time 2-1 defeat to Adelaide United on Saturday, the midfielder took the chance to swap football for tennis.
He was present at the Rod Laver Arena as Djokovic made his first appearance on a tennis court since November 9.
Despite his lack of recent action, the Serbian brushed aside first round opponent Pedro Martinez 6-3 6-2 6-2 to record his milestone 100th win at the Grand Slam.
The fourth seed lost just three points on his first serve as he put on a masterful serving clinic.
The 38-year-old is eyeing an 11th Australian Open title and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
Spanish World Cup winner Mata is known to be a big fan of Djokovic.
Writing in a blog post in 2015 when Djokovic had just won his fifth Australian Open, he wrote of the tennis star: “This is the fifth title in Australia for the Serbian, what else can I say.
“He is one of my favourite tennis players.
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“I’ve been lucky to meet him personally several times, and by the way, he is a great football fan.”
Djokovic can likely count on Mata to continue supporting him throughout the remainder of the tournament.
His first-round win has set up a clash with Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in round two.
Speaking about his return, Djokovic said: “It’s great to be back. This is definitely my favourite court, one that has given me so much.
“I try to give it back as much as I could over the last 20-plus years and hopefully you guys enjoyed the tennis tonight.”
Asked about his 100th win at the tournament, Djokovic added: “I try to give it back as much as I could over the last 20-plus years and hopefully you guys enjoyed the tennis tonight.
“I always give my best whenever I’m on the court. History making is a great motivation – and particularly in the last five, 10 years of my career.
“I’m blessed to still be playing at this level and claiming another win tonight is obviously a dream come true.”
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