Novak Djokovic wore a tracksuit with Kobe Bryant’s initials on it.©AFP
Serbian tennis great Novak Djokovic broke down in tears Tuesday as he paid tribute to the late basketball star Kobe Bryant, describing him as a “mentor” and “friend” for 10 years. Djokovic, speaking after his Australian Open quarter-final victory over Milos Raonic, said it was “heartbreaking” to hear about Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash with his daughter and seven other people. “He was one of the greatest athletes of all time, he inspired me and many other people around the world,” Djokovic said during an on-court interview at Rod Laver Arena, dressed a tracksuit bearing the initials KB.
“I was fortunate to have a personal relationship with him over the past 10 years. When I needed advice and support, he was there for me.
“He was my mentor, my friend and it’s just heartbreaking to see and hear what happened to him and his daughter,” Djokovic said before pausing to compose himself.
Djokovic and many other tennis legends, including Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova, have expressed their grief over the death of the former LA Lakers shooter, considered one of the greatest basketball players in history.
On Monday, Australia’s Nick Kyrgios arrived for his quarterfinal in a Lakers jersey, and American doubles pair Coco Gauff and Caty McNally had tributes to Bryant scrawled on their sneakers.
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