After winning the 2023 US Open, Novak Djokovic took meaningful action, winning the hearts of the American audience by paying tribute to the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
During the coronation ceremony, Novak Djokovic wore a T-shirt with the words “Mamba Forever” with photos of the two of them on the front and the number 24 (Bryant’s shirt number at the Los Angeles Lakers) on the back.
Kobe Bryant passed away forever in early 2020 in a tragic plane crash that took the lives of him and his daughter. To this day, this remains one of the most tragic events in American sports.
During their lifetime, Kobe Bryant and Djokovic often maintained a close relationship. So when he was crowned in America, the Serbian legend did not miss the opportunity to express his gratitude.
“I was thinking about wearing this shirt if I won, which was about 7 days ago. I didn’t tell anyone until a few days before I ordered this special shirt,” Djokovic shared.
“Kobe is my close friend, we talked a lot about the psychology of winners. When I was struggling with injuries and trying to get back to the top, he became one of my go-to guys.” I rely on him the most. He always gives me advice or any form of support.”
According to records, this is also how Djokovic gained sympathy from American fans, who had a negative view of him after he was deported from Australia and refused entry to the US. In 2020, he also caused controversy with a ball that hit the referee, causing him to lose and be eliminated from the US Open.