After claiming Grand Slam No. 24 on Sunday at the US Open, Novak Djokovic took a moment to recognize his historic win and one of his close friends courtesy of a touching tribute to the late, great Kobe Bryant.
Djokovic’s Bryant homage followed a dominant, straight-sets victory over Daniil Medvedev in New York. Shortly after the match, Djokovic, still standing on the court inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, changed into a blue shirt adorned with a picture of him and Bryant on the front and the No. 24 on the back.
The Serbian superstar then pointed to the front and back of his shirt before pointing and kissing toward the sky, signaling his way of dedicating his 24th Grand Slam to Bryant in honor of his 10 seasons wearing No. 24 with the Lakers.
Novak hits 24 and pays tribute to the late Kobe Bryant 💙 pic.twitter.com/rDXVUvYe1Z
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2023
After the emotional post-match moment, Djokovic explained he had the idea for the shirt a week before the final, when he realized he was closing in on history. He also shared that he and Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020 with his daughter, Gianna, and seven other victims, had developed a tight relationship over the years.
Referring to Bryant as a “close friend,” the 36-year-old said the the Hall of Fame Lakers guard was always there for support and advice “in a most friendly way.”
Said Djokovic of the tribute, “What happened a few years ago, him and his daughter passing, hurt me deeply. And, I thought 24 is the jersey that he wore when he became a legend of Lakers and world basketball. So I thought it could be a nice symbolic thing to acknowledge him for all the things he’s done.”
Novak shares the idea behind his tribute to Kobe 🗣 pic.twitter.com/aFd7xStqVx
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2023
As two of the most successful pro athletes of all-time, both Djokovic and Bryant, in addition to their own bond, will forever share a link for their accomplishments in their respective sports.
And, now, the legends will be connected in another unique way with Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slams tying Margaret Court for the most all-time.
