Inspired by Kobe Bryant’s Wisdom, Novak Djokovic Makes Honest Confession About the ‘Little Things’ in Tennis That Keeps Him Going

While the intensity on the field is increasing in the sporting world, there are also many interesting bonds brewing up between the stars of different sports. Novak Djokovic and the late, Kobe Bryant shared one such great bond. Both the legends caught up together on multiple occasions and spoke highly about each other. Djokovic recently narrated how Bryant’s peculiar quality inspires him to keep moving forward in his career.

Djokovic is currently playing in the Monte-Carlo Masters and is back to winning ways. He has entered the semifinal and is just two steps away from winning his maiden title this year. Amid this, he remembered his late friend.

Novak Djokovic remembers Kobe Bryant’s special 10-year-old statement

During the press conference after Djokovic’s win over Australia’s Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters, he talked about how Bryant’s mention of his love for the sport and the ‘little things’ that drove it 10 years ago still resonates in his career – “There is more than one thing to add to what Kobe was saying about the sound of the bucket. You know, for me or for us it’s the sound of the shot, you know, sound of the ball where of course in some tournaments where you have a better echo, you know, but it sounds even more loud when you strike the ball cleanly.”

He further added, “But it’s interesting because I only enjoy that when I am watching the videos of my matches or I’m watching some other matches. I don’t enjoy it while I play.”

At 36, age is just a number for Novak Djokovic. He is still ruling men’s tennis and has a long way to go in his career. However, for that, he has to maintain his physical level, which was put into question during his recent outings at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Humidity gets the better of Djokovic

Despite getting back to winning ways, the Serb has found the going tough in Monaco. The prime reason for this is the hot and humid conditions at the tournament in which Djokovic has struggled. During his pre-quarterfinal match against Lorenzo Musetti, the World Number 1 was spotted in a dizzy state and drained out.

Subsequently, even during his quarterfinal match against de Minaur, he was struggling physically and his body language spoke big time about his struggles.

Djokovic will have to ensure that he stays on top physically if he is to win the Monte Carlo Masters. He will take on Casper Ruud in the semifinal later today.