Novak Djokovic Thanks Virat Kohli for ‘Gladiator’ Praise

Virat Kohli and his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, were among the high-profile attendees at Wimbledon on July 7, 2025, as they watched a thrilling Round of 16 match between tennis legend Novak Djokovic and Australia’s Alex de Minaur. Held at the iconic Centre Court, the match drew global attention—not just for the tennis action, but also for the star-studded audience that included cricket and tennis royalty. Alongside Kohli and Anushka, spectators spotted England cricketers Joe Root and James Anderson, West Indies great Brian Lara, and tennis legend Roger Federer.

Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, had a rocky start in the match. He lost the first set 1-6 to de Minaur, raising questions about whether his run at Wimbledon would come to an end. But the Serbian champion quickly turned things around. With his trademark resilience and tactical brilliance, Djokovic won the next three sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, securing a spot in the quarterfinals. The victory marked his 101st win at Wimbledon and brought him within just three matches of a historic 25th Grand Slam title—an all-time record in men’s tennis.

Virat Kohli, who recently retired from Test cricket and is currently spending time in London, was thoroughly impressed by the performance. After the match, he took to Instagram to share a story praising Djokovic, calling him “The gladiator... at his best again.” He tagged Djokovic’s handle, @djokernole, showing his admiration for the tennis star’s incredible comeback and competitive spirit.

Djokovic noticed the praise and responded with gratitude. Sharing Kohli’s story on his own Instagram account, Djokovic wrote, “Thank you for the support,” acknowledging the support from one of cricket’s most iconic players.

Following the match, Djokovic spoke in an interview about his warm friendship with Virat Kohli. He revealed that although they had never met in person until that day at Wimbledon, they have been in touch for several years. “Virat and I have been texting for a few years now. We haven’t had the chance to meet face-to-face before this, so it was really nice to finally connect,” Djokovic said.

He went on to express admiration for Kohli’s cricketing achievements and leadership qualities. “He’s had an amazing career. I really respect his dedication and the passion he brings to the game. It means a lot to get support from someone like him,” Djokovic added. He also shared a fun fact—he has tried playing cricket himself, albeit with modest success. “I’ve picked up a bat a few times. Not great at it yet, but I know how big cricket is in India and Australia. Maybe I’ll practice more so I can be ready before my next trip to India,” Djokovic joked, drawing laughter from reporters.

The encounter between Djokovic and Kohli, two legends of their respective sports, created a feel-good moment that delighted fans across the world. Their mutual respect highlights the bond that top athletes often share, regardless of the sport they play.

As Djokovic continues his quest for Grand Slam glory at Wimbledon, the support from stars like Kohli adds another layer of inspiration to his journey. With just three matches left to win, Djokovic is now chasing history—and he has some powerful fans cheering him on.