“A night with Novak Djokovic": Andy Murray and Zheng Qinwen join mixed doubles ahead of the Australian Open
Tennis News
The AO Opening Week exhibition events have confirmed a mixed doubles match featuring Olympic gold medalists, led by Novak Djokovic. The Paris 2024 men’s gold medalist will partner with Zheng Qinwen, the women’s gold medalist, to face former Olympic champions Andy Murray and Belinda Bencic.
Melbourne will shine with gold for an exciting mixed doubles clash set to take place on the evening of 9 December. While it was known that “A Night with Novak” would feature the 24-time Grand Slam champion in mixed doubles, the other players joining Djokovic were yet to be announced.
Rod Laver Arena to host Olympic Gold medalists in exciting exhibition clash
It has now been confirmed that Rod Laver Arena will host a night with four Olympic gold medalists. The most recent champions from Paris 2024 will unite for an intriguing mixed doubles match featuring Novak Djokovic and Zheng Qinwen. The Serbian star claimed the only major title missing from his resume by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final, while the young Chinese sensation stunned the world by eliminating Iga Swiatek on her way to the gold medal against Donna Vekic.
The Djokovic-Zheng duo will face former gold medalists. Murray won the Olympic event in 2012 and 2016, defeating Roger Federer and Juan Martín Del Potro, respectively. The Brit will team up with Swiss player Belinda Bencic, who captured the Tokyo 2020 gold medal by defeating Marketa Vondrousova in the final.
This exhibition match offers a unique opportunity to see Murray and Djokovic face each other again. The Brit, who retired from professional tennis a few months ago, is now Djokovic’s new coach and is working with him in Melbourne ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam.
On the other hand, Zheng Qinwen will make her reappearance after skipping tournaments leading up to the Australian Open. She withdrew from the United Cup to allow more recovery time during the off-season. The Chinese star will join Djokovic for a one-of-a-kind mixed doubles match.
The final member of this golden lineup is Belinda Bencic, the former world No. 4, who returned to the Tour a couple of months ago after nearly a year-long absence due to the birth of her first daughter, Bella.
Zheng Qinwen has congratulated her hero Novak Djokovic on IG. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/CVNCcKlRzr
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) August 4, 2024
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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