Published: Jan 15, 2024, 11:03 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 15, 2024, 11:04 AM (IST)
The mutual appreciation between Virat Kohli and Novak Djokovic has quickly gained traction in the community. Over the past few days, the Indian cricket superstar and the top-ranked Serbian tennis player have been gushing about one another. Following Djokovic’s revelation in the run-up to the Australian Open 2024 that he and Kohli had been texting for a while, the former captain of India told the whole tale of their interactions on social media in a video that the BCCI released before the second Twenty20 International between India and Afghanistan in Indore.
After watching the video, Djokovic praised Kohli and extended an invitation for a match between them. The 24-time Grand Slam champion did not specify if it will be on the tennis court or with a bat and ball.
“Thank you, Virat Kohli, for your warm remarks. Looking forward to the day we play together,” Djokovic posted on X (previously Twitter). Lately, he seems to have developed a strong interest in cricket.
Notably, prior to the start of the Australian Open, Djokovic was spotted playing tennis with Australian cricketer Steve Smith. His interactions with the former captain of Australia’s cricket team on the tennis court were amazing to watch. The tennis icon gave cricket a shot as well. And his association with the ‘gentleman’s game’ is sure to further increase when his interactions with Kohli became public.
What led to the friendship between Djokovic and Kohli?
Djokovic’s comment that he and Kohli were “text buddies” set everything in motion. “Virat Kohli and I have exchanged some texts over the past few years. Even though we were never able to meet in person, it was still an honour and a joy to hear him say such kind things about me.
“I certainly think highly of his entire career and accomplishments. I have taken up the game of cricket, albeit I am not a great player. However, Djokovic stated on Sony Sports Network, “I have a task to perfect my cricket skills before I come to India and don’t embarrass myself when I’m there.”
A day after Djokovic’s remarks went viral, Kohli was spotted disclosing additional details about their interactions on social media. To his amazement, the Serbian had already messaged the 36-year-old tennis legend, Kohli stated that he wanted to be the first to get in touch with him. This was the start of their friendship. “I communicated with Novak in a pretty natural way; one day, I was browsing his Instagram page when I occurred to hit the message button. Maybe I just wanted to say hi,” Kohli said.
Then, I already had a message from him on my direct message. I never did open it myself. Thus, I realised that he had messaged me personally the first time I saw my own messages.
“However, after double checking, it turned out to be authentic. And then, well, we started conversing. Every now and again, we continue messaging one another. I complimented him on all of his incredible accomplishments.”The two athletes immediately hit it off, sending one other regular congratulations on their accomplishments. They are both the pinnacle of physical fitness, which enables them to perform well even in their mid-30s.
Additionally, Djokovic posted an Instagram story to congratulate Kohli on reaching his 50th ODI century. The Indian cricket legend found enormous meaning in this gesture.
“He released a story and wrote me a really kind note when I recently celebrated my 50th century. Thus, respect and admiration have been shared.”Making connections with international athletes who are performing at a high level is incredibly pleasant. Furthermore, I believe that everything being said together is sort of inspiring the next generation.”I greatly admire him, his path, and his enthusiasm for fitness—a pursuit I fervently pursue and hold in high regard. So there’s a lot to bond on.
“Hopefully, he would visit India sooner because I am currently in a nation where he is performing. I’ll surely catch up with him, relax, and perhaps even have a coffee.”
In their separate matchups, Djokovic and Kohli both produced respectable performances. After a close match of 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4, the tennis legend overcame a scare to move on to the second round of the Australian Open men’s singles. However, Kohli returned to the Twenty20 format after a 14-month absence, smashing 29 off 16 balls to help India defeat Afghanistan by six wickets in the second Twenty20 international.
