In a touching tribute to the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, tennis icon Novak Djokovic celebrated his record-extending twenty fourth Grand Slam title on the 2023 US Open with a specifically designed T-shirt.
Djokovic’s outstanding victory towards Daniil Medvedev was not solely a testomony to his tennis prowess but additionally a second to recollect a detailed buddy and mentor, Kobe Bryant. The T-shirt bore a photograph of Djokovic alongside Bryant together with phrases “Mamba Without end” on the entrance and a distinguished quantity 24 on the again.
The Serbian celebrity shared the heartfelt story behind the T-shirt with the enthusiastic crowd in attendance. He revealed that the thought had sprung to thoughts a few week in the past, and he had secretly been engaged on bringing it to life.
Djokovic cherished his friendship with Bryant, who offered invaluable assist and steering throughout his difficult journey again to the highest of tennis.
“Kobe was a detailed buddy. We chatted lots in regards to the winner’s mentality after I was scuffling with the harm and making an attempt to make my comeback, work my approach again to the highest of the sport,” Djokovic defined.
“He was one of many folks that I depend on essentially the most. He was at all times there for any form of counsel, recommendation, any form of assist in a most pleasant approach.
“So, in fact, what occurred a couple of years in the past and him and his daughter passing damage me deeply. And I assumed, 24 is the jersey that he wore when he turned a legend of Lakers and world basketball. So I assumed it may very well be a pleasant symbolic factor to acknowledge him for all of the issues he’s completed.”
