15 January,2024 03:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic, India`s cricketing star Virat Kohli (Pic: AFP/File Pic)
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic responded to cricketing star Virat Kohli's good luck wishes, ahead of the Serbian's first Grand Slam of the year. Djokovic also said that he is looking forward to the day they "play together."
Both athletes opened up about the respect and admiration they have towards each other's careers and how they were in touch through text messages over the years.
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Djokovic took to social media platform X to respond to a video message posted by BCCI to thank Kohli for his "kind words."
"Thank you for these kind words @imVkohli Looking forward to the day we play together," Djokovic tweeted.
Kohli on Sunday expressed about his bond with the Tennis legend Djokovic and how their journey of friendship started. It all came to attention after Novak Djokovic tried a hand in cricket and enjoyed some tennis with Australian star batsman Steve Smith.
In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Virat said that his talks with Djokovic started when he happened to check his text to him by chance, after once trying to say "hello" to the star tennis player.
"I got in touch with Novak very organically. I was just looking at his Instagram profile once and happened to press his "Message" button. I thought I would say him 'Hello, maybe.' Then I saw a message from him on my DM already. I never saw it myself. The first time I saw my own messages, I saw that he had messaged me himself. Then I was like, let us check if it is a fake account or not. But then I checked it and it was legitimate. Then we started talking, exchanging messages now and then. I would congratulate him on all of his fantastic achievements," recalled Virat.
Virat also mentioned that after scoring his 50th ODI century against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2023, Novak sent him a nice message and also put up a story, congratulating him.
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"There has been mutual admiration and respect. It is nice to connect with global athletes who are excelling at a high level. Collectively, it is sending out a message of inspiration to the next generation in a way," said Virat.
Virat said that he has a lot of respect for Djokovic, his journey as a player, and his passion for fitness. He expressed hope of meeting the Serbian icon soon.
"I have a lot of respect for him and his journey; his passion for fitness is something I follow and believe in myself. So there is a lot to connect on. Hopefully, when he comes to India or if I happen to be in a country where he is playing, I will catch up with him and just chill out and have a cup of coffee," said Virat.
Ending the video, Kohli wished Djokovic the very best for the Australian Open. Novak is defending his men's singles title. The Indian cricketer also mentioned that Australia is his favourite place to play cricket and the tennis star will enjoy the support from the Australian crowd.
Ahead of the tournament, which started on Sunday, Djokovic had also talked about his bond with Virat and described a trip to India.
Speaking to Sony Sports Network, Djokovic said, "Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for a few years and we never got the chance to meet in person. But it was really a privilege and honour to listen to him speak nicely about me and I obviously admire his career, and achievement and everything he has done."
Yesterday, Virat made his return to T20I cricket after more than a year, smashing an attacking 29 in 16 balls with five fours against Afghanistan in the second T20I. Djokovic also started his Australian Open title defence on a high, securing a 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 triumph against Dino Prizmic in the first-round.
(With ANI Inputs)
