Tennis star Novak Djokovic got emotional at center court while remembering his friend Kobe Bryant following his straight-sets victory over Milos Raonic in the Australian Open. Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others were killed in a tragic helicopter crash on Sunday.
Djokovic paid tribute to Bryant during his match, wearing a jacket bearing Bryant's initials alongside his basketball jersey numbers — No. 8 and No. 24. After beating Raonic 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (1), interviewer John McEnroe asked Djokovic to share some words about Bryant.
"I don't know what we could say. It really caught us by surprise," Djokovic said. "He was one of the greatest athletes of all time, he inspired myself and many other people around the world. I had that fortune to have a personal relationship with him over the last 10 years.
"When I needed some advice and support, he was there for me. He was my mentor, my friend, it's just heartbreaking to see what has happened to him and his daughter. It's unbelievable."
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“He was there for me”@DjokerNole pays tribute to his late friend and mentor Kobe Bryant.#AO2020 | #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/k8sRHcBATw
The 16-time Grand Slam champion got choked up when he mentioned Bryant's daughter. As he was leaving the court, Djokovic signed a TV camera lens with “KB 8 24 Gigi Love You."
Djokovic also posted a heartfelt tribute to the NBA great on Instagram earlier this week.
Forever in our hearts ?❤️@DjokerNole | #AO2020 | #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/dtBmu3tCIG
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