Novak Djokovic has revealed that his interest in cricket stems directly from his admiration for Virat Kohli, calling the Indian batsman the reason he began following the sport.
The Serbian tennis legend made the comments during an appearance at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, where he spoke openly about his friendship with Kohli and his growing interest in cricket.
Despite cricket not being widely popular in Serbia, Djokovic said Kohli’s performances and personality drew him to the game. He described Kohli not just as a great player but as a friend, emphasizing their ongoing communication through messages.
Djokovic also expressed a strong desire to visit India soon, citing his respect for Kohli and his interest in experiencing Indian culture firsthand. His remarks highlight a rare cross-sport mutual admiration between two of the world’s most recognizable athletes.
The tennis star’s praise for Kohli comes amid continued global recognition for the Indian cricketer, who remains one of the most followed and celebrated figures in international sports.
While Djokovic did not specify when he plans to travel to India, his comments suggest a personal motivation beyond professional obligations, rooted in his relationship with Kohli.
Both athletes have previously acknowledged each other’s excellence in their respective fields, with Kohli having praised Djokovic’s mental strength and consistency on multiple occasions.
The exchange underscores how elite athletes across different sports often find common ground in discipline, dedication, and mutual respect, even when their games originate from vastly different traditions.
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for Djokovic to attend a cricket match in India, but his stated interest opens the possibility of future engagement with the sport during a potential visit.
Fans of both tennis and cricket have responded positively to the mutual admiration, viewing it as a testament to the unifying power of sport across borders and disciplines.
Djokovic’s acknowledgment that he follows cricket “because of” Kohli adds a personal dimension to the global appeal of the Indian star, showing how individual athletes can inspire interest in sports outside their own expertise.
The Laureus World Sports Awards, where Djokovic made these remarks, continues to serve as a platform for athletes to recognize excellence beyond their own domains, fostering dialogue and respect across disciplines.
While neither athlete has announced joint initiatives or public appearances together, their verbal exchanges have consistently reflected genuine appreciation and camaraderie.
For now, Djokovic remains focused on his tennis schedule, but his openness to exploring cricket — sparked by Kohli — illustrates how elite athletes remain curious and respectful of excellence in all its forms.
As global sports culture continues to evolve, moments like this reinforce the idea that greatness in one arena can inspire appreciation in another, regardless of geography or sport.
Archysport will continue to monitor any developments regarding Djokovic’s potential visit to India or further interactions between the two athletes.
What are your thoughts on Djokovic’s comments about following cricket because of Virat Kohli? Share your perspective in the comments below and let us know if you’d like to witness more cross-sport athlete interactions highlighted.
