Novak Djokovic honors Kobe Bryant at the US Open after winning his 24th Grand Slam title: ‘He was one of the people that I relied on the most’

Novak Djokovic couldn’t think of number 24 without thinking of the late Kobe Bryant.

So after winning the US Open on Sunday night for a historic 24th Grand Slam title, Djokovic donned a blue T-shirt in honor of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The shirt read “Mamba Forever” on the front, along with photos of Bryant and the world’s No. 1 tennis player, aka “The Joker,” aka Djokovic. The back featured No. 24 in purple, one of two numbers Bryant wore during his Hall of Fame career.

Djokovic, 36, said he came up with the idea about a week ago as a way to honor his friend, who also shared a passion for supporting Italian soccer club AC Milan.

He said he got advice about his own career from Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020 that also killed his daughter Gianna and seven others.

The 36-year-old Djokovic showed the last jersey number that Bryant wore during his Hall of Fame career

Djokovic said Bryant helped him “a lot” when he was battling an injury a few years ago

“Kobe was a good friend, we talked a lot about the winning mentality when I was struggling with injury and trying to make my comeback and work my way back to the top of the game,” Djokovic said. “He was one of the people I relied on most.”

“He was always ready for any kind of advice, advice and any kind of support in the most friendly way,” Djokovic added. “So what happened a few years ago, and the passing of him and his daughter, obviously hurt the guys deeply, and I thought 24 was the jersey he wore when he became a legend of the Lakers and world basketball, so I thought it was a nice, symbolic way to recognize him for everything he’s done.’

The Serbian, who also paid tribute to Bryant this year at the Australian Open in January, took sweet revenge on Daniil Medvedev on Sunday with a debilitating 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 US Open final victory in New York. he equaled Australian legend Margaret Court’s all-time majors record.

A 24th slam eluded Serena Williams, who lost her last four major finals before retiring last year, but not Djokovic, who also becomes the oldest man to win the Flushing Meadows title in the 55-year professional era.

The 36-year-old replaced Australian great Ken Rosewall – who was 35 when he won the 1970 US Open – in the record books with his victory lasting three hours and 16 minutes.

It is well documented that Djokovic and Bryant shared a common passion in championing AC Milan

Djokovic became emotional when he spoke about his friendship with Bryant at the Australian Open

Djokovic (R) is now tied with Australian legend Margaret Court for the all-time Majors record

Sunday’s match was a rematch of the 2021 final, which Medvedev won in straight sets for his only major title, denying Djokovic a legendary Grand Slam match for the calendar year.

Djokovic has now won three of the four available grand slams in 2023, having also won the Australian Open and Roland Garros, while losing the Wimbledon final in five sets to Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz.

His fourth title from ten Flushing Meadows finals propels the undisputed tennis GOAT back to the top of the rankings, replacing dethroned champion Alcaraz.

Of greater importance to Djokovic is his record against his peers; he is now two shy of Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles and four ahead of Roger Federer, who was on 20 last year.

Third-seeded Medvedev, who eliminated Australians Chris O’Connell and Alex de Minaur and reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz en route to the final, has now lost four Grand Slam title deciders – two each to Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Medvedev lost to Nadal in New York in 2019 and to Melbourne last year, and was beaten by Djokovic at the 2021 Australian Open.