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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 07: Nick Kyrgios of Australia celebrates victory after winning the Men’s Final match against Ryan Harrison of the USA during day eight of the 2018 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 7, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 07: Nick Kyrgios of Australia celebrates victory after winning the Men’s Final match against Ryan Harrison of the USA during day eight of the 2018 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 7, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The world has still not forgotten the tragic death of NBA legend, Kobe Bryant. He was not just an inspiration to millions of youngsters but also to many athletes, including Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios.
Every sports fan was stunned after hearing the terrible news about Kobe’s demise in January 2020. Almost every single athlete gave a tribute to the phenomenal basketball player for his great contribution to the sport.
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Nick Kyrgios shares a picture of himself with Rafael Nadal
Recently, Kyrgios shared a picture of his match that he and Nadal played right after the demise of Kobe Bryant. Before going down to play and during the post match interview, the Australian player even wore a Los Angeles Lakers jersey – the NBA team Bryant used to play for.
Moments pic.twitter.com/ZbjRYhP8Hw
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) October 21, 2021
“Moments,” tweeted Kyrgios.
Kyrgios is a huge fan of basketball and loves to play the sport whenever he gets some free time. Just like all others, the sad news about Kobe also astonished him and he decided to give him a tribute right after his match at the Australian Open 2020 against Rafa.
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When Kyrgios and Nadal hailed Bryant’s legacy
It was Nadal who emerged victorious in that match at the Australian Open 2020 as he defeated Kyrgios in four sets. However, both of them talked about Bryant’s legacy after the match.
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Nick Kyrgios of Australia (R) shakes hands with Rafael Nadal of Spain at the net following their Men’s Singles fourth round match on day eight of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images)
“It’s super sad. He was one of the greatest sportsmen in history. He deserves a big round of applause. It’s one of these days that you want to forget but of course Kobe Bryant will be in our hearts and in our minds for the rest of our lives,” said Rafa in the post-match interview.
Just like the Spaniard, Kyrgios also hailed Bryant. He stated that even though he never met him personally, it was the NBA great who always used to motivate him.
“I never met Kobe but basketball’s practically my life, I watch it every day and I’ve been following it for as long as I remember … it’s tough, it’s horrible news. If anything it motivated me (during the game). If you look at the things he stood for and what he wanted to be remembered by I felt like if anything it helped me tonight,” mentioned Kyrgios.Even today, not just basketball fans but fans of the entire sports fraternity miss Kobe Bryant. He continues to hold a special place in their hearts.
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