Mumbai: Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli continues to leave a global impact, with tennis legend Novak Djokovic revealing that Kohli played a key role in sparking his interest in cricket. Speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards, Djokovic described Kohli as a close friend and someone he deeply respects. The 24-time Grand Slam champion admitted that he had not followed cricket earlier, but Kohli’s influence drew him towards the sport.
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“Virat is a friend and someone I admire. He is actually the reason I started following cricket,” Djokovic said, adding that the two athletes remain in touch and may even collaborate in the future when he visits India. Kohli, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in world cricket, has shared global platforms with sporting stars like David Beckham and Harry Kane, reflecting his immense international appeal.
Meanwhile, Djokovic continues to compete at the highest level despite increasing competition from younger stars such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The Serbian recently withdrew from the Madrid Open due to fitness concerns, having earlier missed the Miami Open with a shoulder injury. As the tennis world looks ahead to Wimbledon, Djokovic remains a formidable contender, proving that experience and resilience continue to define his illustrious career.
