Novak Djokovic discloses Kobe Bryant’s advice to him when he considered retiring with only 12 Grand Slam titles to his name

Novak Djokovic went on to win 12 more Grand Slams after his comeback from elbow surgery in 2018.

Novak Djokovic discloses Kobe Bryant’s advice to him when he considered retiring with only 12 Grand Slam titles to his name

Kobe Bryant (L), Novak Djokovic (R) (Sources: Rolling Stone, New York Times)

It is not unknown that when Novak Djokovic underwent his elbow surgery back in 2018, it was followed by undoubtedly the darkest period in his career. The Serb revealed in a recent interview that during that time, Kobe Bryant encouraged him a lot and gave him advice that helped him make a phenomenal comeback. 

Novak Djokovic never really believed in modern medicine and loved to research nutrition, diet, and medicine on his own. He was successful in staying healthy and following this lifestyle for almost the entirety of his career, and that is proved by the fact that he did not have many injuries in his career. 

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In fact, he delayed his elbow surgery a lot, but when finally nothing seemed to work, he had to finally give in. It took a mental toll on him, as the Serb felt like he had failed himself and his own beliefs. 

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He made a premature comeback to the court and paid the price, as Nole found it extremely difficult to get back to winning ways. In fact, after back-to-back losses, the Serbian had decided to retire from tennis altogether.

Thankfully, his wife and family convinced him to take up the racket again. Around this time, Novak was in constant touch with Kobe Bryant. 

Kobe always helped me when I needed it the most. When I had elbow surgery [in 2018] , mentally I was not well. I even considered leaving tennis. He encouraged me, shared his experience, gave advice.
Novak Djokovic said via H/T: Le Equipe

Novak Djokovic’s relationship with Kobe Bryant 

Novak Djokovic and Kobe Bryant were very good friends, and obviously, the tennis star was deeply hurt when the basketball legend and his daughter passed away in 2020 in a helicopter crash. Kobe Bryant wore jersey No. 24 for almost the entirety of his career. 

After winning his 24th Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open, Novak Djokovic paid tribute to the legend by wearing a special jersey with the No. 24 and the words ‘Mamba Forever’. 

Kobe Bryant - Novak Djokovic
Kobe Bryant – Novak Djokovic (Source: Tennis World USA)
He was always there for any kind of counsel, advice, any kind of support in the most friendly way. I thought it could be a nice, symbolic thing to acknowledge him for all the things he’s done.
He said. 

The Serb’s constant remembrance of his good friend shows how close they were to each other. Both Novak Djokovic and Kobe Bryant will forever be remembered as the ultimate legends in their respective sports. 

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