Novak Djokovic says he will ‘keep going’ after US Open win
The wife of late NBA star Kobe Bryant has thanked Novak Djokovic for paying tribute to her husband after winning the US Open on Sunday evening. The Serb clinched the fourth New York Grand Slam of his career after defeating third seed Daniil Medvedev 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3. Djokovic has now won a staggering 24 slams, drawing level with Margaret Court.
After the match was won, Djokovic took off his top and switched it for a custom t-shirt. The specially-made garment featured a picture of the world No 1 alongside Bryant, with the words ‘Mambo forever’ written around it.
He also sported a white jacket with the number 24 on it, matching Bryant’s NBA shirt number.
The basketball legend’s wife Vanessa took to social media to congratulate Djokovic on his achievement and express her thanks for his very personal gesture.
Posting on Instagram, she wrote: “Congratulations @djokernole #24 #MambaMentality. Real recognize Real.”
Kobe Bryant was tragically killed along with his daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash in January 2020. The LA Lakers stalwart was a close friend and mentor to Djokovic, helping him overcome doubts earlier in the Serb’s astonishing career.
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Djokovic explained the plan behind the shirt during the trophy ceremony at Arthur Ashe Stadium. He said: “I thought of doing this t-shirt eventually, if I get the chance to win the tournament, about seven days ago.
“I didn’t share it with anyone until a few days ago when I asked my people to help me out to make this shirt.
“Kobe was a close friend, we chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality. When I was struggling with injury and trying to make my comeback, work my way back to the top of the game, he was one of the people I relied on the most.
“I thought 24 — it is the jersey 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 has done.”
Djokovic, who returned to the summit of the world rankings on Monday, now needs just one more Grand Slam title to move ahead of Margaret Court and become the most decorated Grand Slam tennis player of all time.
He will set about claiming a record 25th major championship in January when he looks to defend the Australian Open, an event he has already won on 10 occasions.
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“I thought 24 — it is the jersey 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 has done.”
Djokovic, who returned to the summit of the world rankings on Monday, now needs just one more Grand Slam title to move ahead of Margaret Court and become the most decorated Grand Slam tennis player of all time.
He will set about claiming a record 25th major championship in January when he looks to defend the Australian Open, an event he has already won on 10 occasions.
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