Kobe Bryant, Who Personally Received a Racquet From Roger Federer, Once Picked Novak Djokovic Over the Swiss Star for One Reason

Tennis superstar Roger Federer has announced that he will retire from the sport after the Laver Cup 2022. He took to Twitter and wrote a heartfelt message to share his decision about his retirement. Federer was the first men’s player to win 20 grand slam titles. And Millions of fans around the world consider him the GOAT of the sport. However, many would argue Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal are better. The debate is a never-ending one, much like the GOAT debate of the NBA.

NBA all-time great, the late great Kobe Bryant was once asked to choose his favorite player among Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal. Interestingly, the 5-time NBA champion chose Novak Djokovic. He said that he has a personal relationship with the Serbian. “Well, Novak’s my guy. We have a relationship. We’ve had a relationship for a long time,” Bryant said.

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Meanwhile, he also revealed that Federer once sent him a tennis racquet. However, Bryant added that he has had some discussions with Djokovic about understanding how athletes need to cope physically as they age. He said that there is a lot of preparation and studying required when he plays a younger and quicker player.

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and the sports world paid tribute to Kobe Bryant

When Kobe Bryant passed away in the helicopter crash, the whole world mourned. And like everyone, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic shared their tributes to the basketball legend. Djokovic paid tribute wearing a jacket with the initials of Bryant and the numbers 8 and 24. The tennis sensation said that Bryant was one of the greatest athletes of all time and added that he inspired him and many others around the world.

He also said that he used to turn to Bryant for support and advice. Djokovic added, “I had the fortune to have a personal relationship with him over the last ten years.” He broke down in tears when he talked about Bryant’s daughter Gigi who died in the crash.

Likewise, the death of the Lakers legend affected Federer. In fact, the veteran star expressed his deep-seated grief on the passing of such a luminary in the world of sports.

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With the imminent retirement of Roger Federer, fans would be wanting to witness him win one last time.