The world's top-ranked tennis player from Serbia, Novak Djokovic, and Indian cricket superstar and former captain Virat Kohli have recently expressed mutual admiration for each other. Djokovic, ahead of the Australian Open 2024, revealed that there have been instances when the two have been involved in text exchanges. Kohli reciprocated by sharing the story of their social media interactions in a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) before the India vs Afghanistan T20I on January 14 (Sunday). Acknowledging Kohli's video, Djokovic expressed gratitude and said he hopes they can both play together someday.
Acknowledging the video, Djokovic expressed gratitude to Kohli and extended an invitation for a friendly match between the tennis champion and the cricket maestro. "Thank you for these kind words, Virat Kohli. Looking forward to the day we play together," Djokovic wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
'If It's A Fake Account Or Something'
Kohli, in the BCCI video, narrated how their friendly bond began, sharing how he messaged Djokovic on Instagram, only to discover Djokovic had already messaged him. Their exchanges include congratulations on achievements, with Djokovic applauding Kohli's 50th ODI century on an Instagram story. Kohli also shared about how his initial thoughts were that Djokovic's profile was a fake one.
“I got in touch with Novak very organically, I think on I was I was just looking at his profile once on Instagram, and I just happened to press the message button and thought I would just say hello. And then I saw a message from him on my DM already. I had never opened it myself. I was like, let me just check if it's a fake account or something like that. But then I checked it again and it was legitimate. And then yeah, we got talking. We keep exchanging messages every now and then. I congratulated him for all his amazing achievements,” stated Kohli.
Kohli then extended his best wishes to Djokovic for the Australian Open 2024, expressing confidence that the tennis world would witness Djokovic's exceptional performance.
"When I got my 50th century recently, he put out a story and he sent me a very nice message as well. So, there's been a mutual admiration, respect," he further added. “I would like to wish you all the very best for the Australian Open. I know how excited and prepared you are for these big events, and I have no doubt that we'll see the Novak Djokovic that we've seen over the years. I hope you have a great tournament,” Kohli said in the video.
"Hopefully If he comes to India sooner, I happen to be in a country where he is playing. I will definitely catch up with him and just chill out and maybe have a cup of coffee.", Kohli added.
Djokovic's sole visit to India occurred in 2014 during the International Tennis Premier League. Kohli's message followed Djokovic's acknowledgment that they are "text buddies" in an interview with the Sony Sports Network.
Djokovic successfully began his Australian Open title defence by securing a hard-fought victory against Croatia's Dino Prizmic in the first round, playing a match that extended for more than four hours.