New Delhi. World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic recently revealed that he is in talks with Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli to improve his cricketing skills before coming to India. Djokovic is set to begin his campaign at the 2024 Australian Open against qualifier Dino Prismic. Reigning champion Djokovic shared interesting details about Kohli in a recent interview ahead of the Grand Slam tournament. The 24-time Grand Slam champion remembers his last visit to India, which was a decade ago. During that trip, he participated in the International Premier Tennis League, a showcase tournament that featured tennis stars such as Roger Federer. Djokovic expressed his love and admiration for India, its beauty, history, culture and spirituality and expressed his desire to explore other aspects of it on his upcoming trip.
In the interview, Djokovic revealed that he has been in constant touch with Virat Kohli for many years. He praised Kohli’s brilliant career and thanked him for talking positively about him. Djokovic said, “Virat Kohli and I have been in touch with each other for the last few years. We haven’t had the opportunity to meet in person, but it’s truly an honor to hear him speak so well of me. I really admire his career, his achievements.”
,@SomdevD speaks with tennis legend @DjokerNoleunraveling his bond with India & his inspiring journey to greatness 🙌💙
PS – Did you know Djokovic? @imVkohli were text buddies?#SonySportsNetwork #SlamOfTheGreats #NovakDjokovic #AO2024 #AusOpen , @AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/J9E7xP2koF
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) January 13, 2024
Djokovic further revealed that he has taken up cricket and has tasked himself with improving his cricket skills ahead of the India tour. He acknowledged the importance of cricket in Australia and especially in India. Djokovic said, “I have started playing cricket. I’m not very good at it, but cricket is an important game, especially in Australia and undoubtedly a big game in India. I understand that I need to hone my skills before coming to India. So that I don’t have to feel embarrassed when I’m there.”
It’s never too late to switch careers Novak…😅 pic.twitter.com/hhL959njhd
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) January 11, 2024
Expressing his excitement about the upcoming Australian Open, Djokovic also shared his recent experience of playing tennis with Australian cricket star Steve Smith on the tennis court. He said that he has also tried his hand in cricket on the tennis court.