Kohli admires Djokovic's passion for fitness and hopes to reunite with the tennis ace if the duo find themselves in the same country at some point.
It is often said that “the game recognizes the game”, and star Indian batsman Virat Kohli's interaction, albeit virtual, with acclaimed tennis player Novak Djokovic reflects this in its true sense.
A recent video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sheds light on Kohli's relationship with the Serbian player, which began after the 35-year-old cricketer decided to send a text message to the tennis player, but to his surprise, he discovered that Djokovic had already sent him a direct message (DM).
Talking about how his virtual interaction with the tennis ace began, Kohli said: “I got in touch with Djokovic very organically. I was looking at his Instagram profile once and hit the 'message' button. I thought I'd say 'Hello.' [to him].”
“[However], I already saw a message from you in my DM. Yo [had] I never opened it myself [before]”Kohli said.
“The first time I saw my own messages, I saw that he himself had messaged me. So I thought, let's check if it's a fake account or not. But then I checked it and it was a legit account.” [account]. Then we started talking, exchanging messages from time to time. I would congratulate him on all the fantastic achievements of his,” the ODI World Cup 2023 player of the tournament added.
Kohli said the two share a lot of mutual respect and admiration before recalling how he received a personal message from the tennis ace on his 50th ODI century.
“There has been mutual admiration and respect. It's nice to connect with global athletes who are excelling at a high level. Collectively, in a way it is sending a message of inspiration to the next generation.
“I have a lot of respect for him and his journey, his passion for fitness is something that I follow and believe in myself. So there is a lot to connect with. Hopefully, when he comes to India or if I find myself in a country where he plays, I will catch up with him and just relax and have a cup of coffee,” the Indian batsman added.
Previously, while speaking in Sony Sports NetworkDjokovic revealed that in recent years, despite not meeting in person, the couple stayed in touch through text messages.
“Kohli and I have been texting for a few years now. We never had the opportunity to meet in person, but it was truly an honor and privilege to hear him speak well of me. Obviously I admire his entire career and his achievements. I started playing cricket, but I'm not very good at it. But I am tasked with honing my cricket skills before coming to India and not being embarrassed when I am there.”
“I have felt the love of India for many years. I have been to India only once, 10 or 11 years ago, to play an exhibition tennis match in New Delhi, so I hope to be able to return in the near future. “I have a great desire to explore this beautiful country that has so much history and culture to offer the world,” Djokovic said.
