Novak Djokovic Credits Virat Kohli For Sparking His Interest In Cricket
Tennis world number one and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic revealed that Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli is the primary reason he follows the sport of cricket. Speaking at the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, Djokovic expressed his admiration for Kohli and outlined his intentions to visit India in the near future.
Red Carpet Revelations in Madrid
During a red-carpet interview with Indian media outlet Times Now, Djokovic discussed his connection to India and its sporting culture. Coming from Serbia, a nation with minimal cricket infrastructure, Djokovic stated that his introduction to the sport came directly through his relationship with the former Indian cricket captain.
“Virat is a friend and someone I respect and admire,” Djokovic said. “He is the reason why I started following cricket. I hadn’t followed it before, but through him, I started following it more. We keep in touch, and hopefully, when I come to India, he can join me. We could play a little bit of tennis and a little bit of cricket, have fun, and spread positive vibes while celebrating sport.”
Mutual Global Dominance
Both athletes have dominated their respective sports for over a decade. While Djokovic holds the all-time record for men’s Grand Slam singles titles, Kohli recently surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most One-Day International (ODI) centuries and continues to be the highest all-time run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Virat Kohli’s Career Highlights
| Format/Tournament | Matches | Runs | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Cricket | 113 | 8,848 | 29 |
| One-Day Internationals (ODI) | 292 | 13,848 | 50 |
| Indian Premier League (IPL) | 252 | 8,004 | 8 |
Note: Statistics sourced from ESPNcricinfo and are accurate as of the conclusion of IPL 2024.
Plans for an Indian Visit
Beyond his relationship with Kohli, Djokovic addressed his Indian fanbase directly. The ATP Tour veteran emphasized his desire to host an exhibition event in the country to connect with his supporters.
“My message is always love, respect, and appreciation for all the support I have personally received from Indian tennis and sports fans around the world,” Djokovic noted. “I’ve been feeling a calling to visit for the last couple of years. I really hope that I’ll be able to come to India to host an event, play a match, or whatever it may be. I feel very close to the Indian people.”
Correcting the Laureus Record
The 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony at the Cibeles Palace in Madrid celebrated top-tier athletic achievements. Correcting widely circulated errors regarding the event’s timeline and outcome, Djokovic himself was awarded the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for a record-equalling fifth time, while Spanish footballer Aitana Bonmati took home the Sportswoman of the Year honor.