World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has revealed the significant role played by the late Kobe Bryant in helping him during a challenging period in his tennis career. The veteran shared that the basketball star provided crucial support when he needed it the most, offering encouragement at a time when Djokovic was not in peak mental condition.
Djokovic, who holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles, disclosed that he was grappling with the demands of tennis during his recovery from elbow surgery in 2018. It was during this phase that Bryant’s guidance proved invaluable, pulling Djokovic out of a mentally tumultuous situation and motivating him to persevere in the sport.
“Kobe always helped me when I needed it the most. When I had elbow surgery, mentally I was not well. I even considered leaving tennis. He encouraged me, shared his experience, gave advice,” Djokovic was quoted as saying on L’Equipe.
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Reflecting on events from six years ago, Djokovic recalled a setback during the Australian Open Round of 16, where he lost to unseeded South Korean Chung Hyeon after receiving on-court treatment. In 2017, the 36-year-old Djokovic had taken an extended break, but the recurring injury resurfaced during the Melbourne tournament.
Despite these challenges, Djokovic has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the past six years. In the previous year, he surpassed Rafael Nadal by clinching the French Open title. Although he faced a defeat in a five-set Wimbledon final against Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic made a triumphant comeback by winning the US Open 2023.
Ending the year as the top-ranked player on the ATP circuit, Djokovic is now poised to defend his Australian Open title, aiming for his 11th victory when the tournament commences on January 14 at the Rod Laver Arena.
