Why did Djokovic praise Kobe Bryant after his US Open win?

Novak Djokovic became world champion US Open 2023. This Sunday, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 36-year-old Serb won the North American Grand Slam for the fourth time in his career. Djokovic defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev in the final in three sets to zero, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3.

Shortly after the victory, Djokovic was still on the court wearing a T-shirt bearing a picture of him next to Kobe Bryant, the world legend. Los Angeles Lakers And from NBAWith the words “Mamba Forever” and the number 24 on the back.

This is the 24th Grand Slam title of Djokovic’s career, extending his record as the oldest Grand Slam winner in history among men, increasing the gap between him and Rafael Nadal (22). Dioko is also tied with Margaret Court, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles.

For this reason, Djokovic decided to honor Kobe, who had the number 24 immortalized on his back during his playing days and who passed away in January 2020.

“Kobe was a close friend, we talked a lot about the winning mentality. When I was recovering from the injury and trying to get back to my best, he was one of the people who helped me the most. He was there to give me anything. Advice and any kind of support in a friendly way. When He died, it hurt me so bad. So I thought the No. 24 jersey was the number he became a legend with in the Lakers and in basketball, so I thought it could be good. “It’s a symbolic thing to do to acknowledge everything he did,” Djokovic explained.