This is how Djokovic won Jokic his third MVP.

Serbia is 7 million inhabitants And those born in the 80’s and 90’s had to go through the pain of death in one way or another. Balkan War. But enhanced by its fierce Balkan competitiveness, and perhaps because penalties strengthened the generations of the time, the exemplary and never-ending Serbian sports school created two sports. number 1 Two epoch-making ‘jokers’ who reigned supreme in basketball and tennis: Nikola Jokic (Belgrade, 1995) and Novak Djokovic (Sombor, 1987).

Asked about this fact by the MD, Jokic was impressed and enraptured by his “equivalence” in tennis, but it would be better to say “almost” the same. Joel Embiid Djokovic handed over his number one jersey to him. Carlos Alcaraz Sunday after Murcian was crowned at Indian Wells.

“He is the ambassador of Serbia. Thanks to him the whole world knows Serbia. great work ethic. His mentality is probably the best in the world. He controls his body and his focus is amazing,” Jokic replied of his compatriot and idol, emphasizing the virtue of mental strength that Nadal is usually considered to be the best.

“He has a great work ethic.”

Djokovic Nikola Jokic

Mutual praise as Nuggets center wins 2021 his first MVPNovak Djokovic had a very special detail with him as soon as it was announced. Rafael Nadal I also sent him the following message: MVP!” began the Belgrade tennis player.

“This is for my friend Nikola Jokic, ‘Joker. Roland Garros. I hope wearing you in training today (about the jersey) and bring you luck in the playoffs,” Djokovic said.

The center had no luck, but the Nuggets phoenix suns No options (4-0) – ‘Noll’ had all the options in the world and benefited from a sort of ‘amulet effect’ of his compatriot’s jacket when he defeated Nadal in the semi-finals the next day ( After lifting two sets against 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, and 6-2), he lifted his second Musketeers Cup in the final. Stefanos Tsitsipas (6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4). In 2021, it was the only time Nadal lost in the semifinals of the French Open.

The two have a great relationship and a year ago June 2020 They matched at an exhibition basketball game in Belgrade that they witnessed together. Both tested positive shortly after the most stringent stay-at-home orders in the middle of the pandemic. COVID-19 A few days after the meeting, I was criticized for not practicing social distancing and not wearing a mask. Djokovic continues to dominate controversy over the coronavirus as he is yet to be vaccinated, missing the Miami Masters and making it harder to recover his number one.

“I can’t say anything bad about him. I’m happy that he’s from my country and that he’s representing Serbia right,” Jokic said of Djokovic, but didn’t mention the vaccine issue at all. Otherwise, he would be extraordinary because he was the best. basketball IQ very. A great boy, very humble,” said the tennis player from Belgrade.The Nuggets Center also grew up sporting. Mega Vizsla From the Serbian capital before leaving for the NBA as Denver gets ahead of Barça.

“Joker” of the same name. because?

Jokic and Djokovic share nationality and have shared the number 1 spot for a long time. He also has the same nickname, “Joker”. However, the reasons are very different. As a tennis player, he was given this “nickname” for his spontaneous and joking personality, known for his hilarious imitation of other players like himself. Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova.

Center, on the other hand, is known as such because of his teammates.Mike Miller When he didn’t know how to say his last name, he started calling him out. But now he has a funny side to MVP, and his reactions have gone viral, with interesting anecdotes like when he was told he averaged a triple-double and the weekend he watched the five-hour “marathon.” spread. ‘Pokemon’.

Both were “hardened” under the harshness of war, and in interviews described their experiences, Jokic said sirens and bombs From inside the house like someone listening to birds chirping, Djokovic describes moments like queuing to get food.

But the place they can occupy in history varies greatly. In Grand Slam numbers – now he has his 22, alongside Nadal -, ‘Noll’, 35 years, has a chance to become the all-time great, a very difficult honor for Jokic. With numerous talents and virtues, he is as innovative as he has influenced the NBA game and can rival as many MVPs as he can get. Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird As the only player to win three consecutive MVPs this year, Michael Jordan and others in the “The GOAT” debate like LeBron James seem to be second to none.

The place the two occupy in history is very different.

to them 28 years old. John Stockton, Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson. Either way, Nikola Jokic and Novak Djokovic make the same impression despite their age difference. The children of war became lords of their sport.