Team India's talismanic batter Virat Kohli opened up on his relationship with and admiration for World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic ahead of the 2nd T20I against Afghanistan at Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Recently, Djokovic revealed that he and Kohli have been texting each other over the last few years but never got a chance to meet him. Serbian tennis legend added that he admires the achievements of former India captain.
"Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for a few years. We haven't got an opportunity to meet each other yet, hopefully soon. But it's an absolute honour and privilege to speak and to listen to him," Novak Djokovic told Sony Sports.
In a video released by BCCI on its X handle (formerly Twitter), Kohli spoke about how he got connected with Novak Djokovic and it's importance of having mutual admiration and respect for each other.
"I got in touch with Novak organically on Instagram and sent him a message on DM. He messaged me himself and checked whether the account is fake or not. But, it was legitimate. We got talking and keep messaging each other every now and then." the 35-year-old said.
"When I scored 50th ODI century recently, he (Novak Djokovic) put out a story on Instagram with such nice messages. It's been mutual admiration and respect, and it's really nice to connect with global athletes who are selling at a high level." he added.
Virat Kohli and Novak Djokovic are among the most popular athletes in the world. Both superstars of respective sports have a massive fanbase across the world. Last year, Kohli emerged as the most searched cricketer on Google. Also, he is the most searched Asian personality on Wikipedia.
Kohli on Novak Djokovic and Steve Smith on-court moment ahead of Australian Open
Novak Djokovic and Steve Smith gave treat to their fans by trying hands at each other's sport at Rod Laver Arena ahead of Australian Open 2024 on Thursday.
Djokovic was in awe of Australian star batter's tennis skills after he returned near-perfect service from Serbian tennis legend. The World No.1 bowed down to Steve Smith in admiration. Later, Djokovic swapped from racquet to bat and hit the ball to the crowd off Steve Smith.
Virat Kohli appreciated the Djokovic for the way he was swinging the bat, added that Smith did pretty well to return his serve.
"He is (Novak Djokovic) way better at swinging the bat than I probably would've swinging the racquet. Smith did pretty well too to return Djokovic's serve. I was bit tempted." the former India captain said.
Virat Kohli wishes Djokovic for Australian Open triumph
The former India captain sent out his best wishes to Novak Djokovic, who is eyeing to win record-extending 11th Australian Open title.
The Serbian tennis legend will enter Australian Open 2024 as the defending champion of the tournament. He will begin his campaign against qualifier Dino Prizmic of Croatia.
Novak Djokovic will return to Melbourne Park on the back of 28-match winning streak at the season's first Grand Slam tournament. He holds the record of being the first and only male player to win 10 Australian Open titles.
