2023 US Open: Novak Djokovic honours Kobe after winning '24'-th Grand Slam
More than three years after Bryant’s untimely passing, his mythical status only seems to grow, with legendary athletes in other sports acknowledging his mentorship.
After winning a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open, Serbian Novak Djokovic honoured the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
Here’s what Djokovic had to say on the subject:
“Kobe was close….close friend. We chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality. When I was struggling with the injury and trying to make my comeback, work my way back to the top of my game, he was one of the people that I relied on the most. He was always there for any kind of counsel, advice, any kind of support…in a most friendly way. So of course, what happened few years ago…and him and his daughter passing hurt me deeply, and I thought ‘24’ is the jersey that 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’s done.”
More than three years after Bryant’s untimely passing, it appears that his mythical status only seems to grow, with legendary athletes in other sports acknowledging his mentorship.
Overall, last week went well for Serbia in the international sporting arena. While Djokovic matched Margeret Court for the highest number of Grand Slam singles titles, the Serbian Men’s basketball team too exceeded expectations by finishing runners-up at the FIBA Men’s World Cup - despite missing the services of reigning NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic.