‘Thank you’ – Novak Djokovic reacts to Virat Kohli’s ‘gladiator’ praise

On July 07 at the Centre Court at Wimbledon 2025, tennis legend Novak Djokovic defeated Australia’s Alex de Minaur to storm into the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the match was a star-studded affair in the stands, with star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli attending the game alongside his wife Anushka Sharma.

Notably, also present at the game were England cricket stars Joe Root and James Anderson, West Indies legend Brian Lara, and tennis icon Roger Federer. Kohli, coming off his Test retirement and currently in London, was impressed by Djokovic.

Taking to Instagram after the match, the Indian great appreciated the Serbian. “What a match. It was business as usual for the gladiator. @djokernole,” he wrote. Reacting to Kohli’s praise, Djokovic reshared the story and thanked the Indian cricketer. “Thank you for supporting.” 

Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for a few years: Djokovic

In the post-match press interaction, Djokovic spoke about his friendship with the Indian cricketer. He mentioned that they have texted each other a couple of times and share mutual respect and admiration.

“Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for a few years and we never got the chance to meet in person, but it was really a privilege and an honour to listen to him speak nicely about me. I obviously admire all of his career and achievements and everything he has done. I started to play cricket. I’m not very good at it, but you know, obviously cricket being a very big, big sport in Australia and of course India… You know, let’s say that I’ll have a task to perfect my cricket skills before I get to India so that I don’t embarrass myself when I’m there,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the game, Djokovic had lost the opening set 1-6 but bounced back in the next three sets, winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in a contest that lasted over three hours. This victory was his 101st win at Wimbledon and brought him within three matches of a record 25th Grand Slam title.

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