Novak Djokovic has opened up on his tribute to close friend and basketball legend Kobe Bryant at the
US Open.
Djokovic has had a hugely successful season, winning the Australian Open and the French Open before taking the title at the last Grand Slam of the year in New York. The Serb flew through to the final, ousting all but one of his opponents in straight sets before defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3.
This victory also means that Djokovic has now equaled Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam titles, which is more than any other player.
Djokovic wears shirt as tribute to Bryant
After he had secured the title, Djokovic changed his shirt to one featuring a picture of himself and Bryant on the front along with the words "Mamba Forever." The NBA star is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time - over the course of his 20-year-long career, he won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All Star.
After putting on the shirt, Djokovic turned around to show the cameras and crowd the '24' on the back in reference to his new Grand Slam total. Afterward, he opened up on why he chose to honor Bryant at Flushing Meadows.
"Kobe was a close friend, we chatted a lot about the 'winners' mentality', when I was struggling with the injury, trying to make my comeback to the top of the game... He was always there for any kind of advice. What happened a few years ago hurt me deeply, so I felt it could be a nice symbolic thing to acknowledge him and his legacy," he said.
Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, at the age of 41. His daughter Gianna also died in the crash. Following the news, Djokovic expressed his grief and reflected on their lasting friendship in a statement on Instagram.
"Kobe was a great mentor and friend. There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathies to the Bryants and every family suffering from this tragedy. May God bless you and your Gianna. Thank you for being there for me and inspiring the entire world. Thank you for showing all of us athletes how to compete and respect sport. Thank you for the greatest legacy you leave behind with us." he wrote.
