By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Novak Djokovic reiterated his support for fellow Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic.
During his run in the 2025 French Open in Stade Roland Garros, the 38-year-old Serbian tennis player was asked to talk about his relationship with the Joker and how much his success in the NBA helps him in major tennis tournaments.
“I love that guy. He’s a hero in our country, obviously. What he has been doing in the last five years in the NBA has been historic, to say the least,” Djokovic told TNT Sports.
“Basketball is the biggest sport we have in our country,” he explained, “Jokic is phenomenal. Honestly, what he does, how he does it. And also, the way he goes about his private life. People thought at the beginning that he was fake, that he was like not interested in anything except his family and his horses. But that’s really everything he is interested in, truthfully, honestly. I really respect that.”
“He’s such a talent, he also works hard, and he has got a huge basketball IQ, and just to see him dominate with incredible athletes in American basketball is just something we are all very proud of,” he added, “We all support him.”
Djokovic also went into the almost annual conversation about Jokic playing for the senior national team of Serbia.
“Every year, we either have a European championship, or a World championship, or the Olympic Games. There is always a question mark, ‘Will he play for his national team?’. There is always a debate. People are very passionate for the best players playing for our national team. It’s a lot of responsibility for him. I get him. I understand that. But he has done so much for our country and then for basketball as a whole,” he said, “It’s amazing.”
Jokic has been considering his options about possibly suiting up for his country in this summer’s EuroBasket. The FIBA tournament will take place from August 27 to September 14, with Serbia in Group A of the preliminary round alongside Estonia, Portugal, Latvia, Czechia, and Turkiye.
Remaining on the topic of basketball, Djokovic was asked about the late Kobe Bryant as well.
“Most of all, what I liked about Kobe is that he always tried to bring this level of energy and friendship to his relationships,” he mentioned, “Just the way he carried that charisma and his character was just very unique. That’s why people worldwide loved him and still love him.”