In a touching tribute to the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, tennis icon Novak Djokovic celebrated his record-extending twenty fourth Grand Slam title on the 2023 US Open with a specifically designed T-shirt.

Djokovic’s exceptional victory in opposition to Daniil Medvedev was not solely a testomony to his tennis prowess but in addition a second to recollect a detailed buddy and mentor, Kobe Bryant. The T-shirt bore a photograph of Djokovic alongside Bryant together with phrases “Mamba Forever” on the entrance and a distinguished quantity 24 on the again.

The Serbian celebrity shared the heartfelt story behind the T-shirt with the enthusiastic crowd in attendance. He revealed that the concept had sprung to thoughts a couple of week in the past, and he had secretly been engaged on bringing it to life.

Djokovic cherished his friendship with Bryant, who supplied invaluable assist and steering throughout his difficult journey again to the highest of tennis.

“Kobe was a close friend. We chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality when I was struggling with the injury and trying to make my comeback, work my way back to the top of the game,” Djokovic defined.

“He was one of the people that I rely on the most. He was always there for any kind of counsel, advice, any kind of support in a most friendly way.

“So, of course, what happened a few years ago and him and his daughter passing hurt me deeply. And I thought, 24 is the jersey that he wore when he became a legend of Lakers and world basketball. So I thought it could be a nice symbolic thing to acknowledge him for all the things he’s done.”