The Novak Djokovic-Nikola Jokic relationship explained: How Serbia’s stars became friends

Serbia has reason to celebrate two of its most recognizable sports stars: Nikola Jokic and Novak Djokovic.

Both were crowned atop their respective pantheons within hours of each other. his native Belgrade won his third Roland Garros and 23rd Grand Slam on Sunday 11 June and the one of Sombor his first NBA Championship and Finals MVP on Monday 12th.

Referring to tennis and basketball as well as the Balkan lands, Djokovic recently revealed that he really is a big fan of the Nuggets star.

“I don’t think anyone can do what they’re doing right now”Nole said recently. “He is definitely the best player in the world and I support him a lot. He is an incredible guy, the pride of Serbia and we are very proud of him.”

Around the same time, Jokic was reported to be praising his compatriot as a hero and “ambassador“Serbian.

“He is a person who represents Serbia on a much bigger stage. He is the ambassador of Serbia.”assured the genius of Sombor. “He is the idol of the children in Serbia, not only for the things he does on the pitch, but [también] about the things your institution does…

“I want to be like him. He’s doing something great for the kids, for Serbia, for everyone. We can’t compare.”

Below, all the information about the origin and evolution of the friendship between Novak Djokovic and Nikola Jokic.

The friendship between Novak Djokovic and Nikola Jokic, he explained

Djokovic and Jokic they were born into extinction Yugoslaviain the area that currently includes the Republic of Serbia, although the tennis player did it inside Belgrade and the Nuggets interior inside shadowin the autonomous province of Vojvodina.

Both were involved in sports when they were young and quickly made the jump to the international scene: Djokovic he was 16 when he turned pro 2003 and Jokic was 19 years old when he was drafted by the Nuggets in 2014.

Nole recently told FanDuel that he got Jokic’s phone number in late May and planned to talk to him.

The Nuggets star was quick to check for a congratulatory note after the Game 5 Finals win during postgame interviews, leaving behind a funny scene.

The couple had met before. Djokovic, a huge fan of the sport of canasta, wore Jokic’s jersey in the 2021 Roland Garros semifinals after his compatriot won his first MVP.

They also attended a basketball camp in Belgrade together in the summer of 2020, according to Insider.

Both are now at the top of their respective sports, and while each has plenty of fans in their own right, the admiration for each other is obviously notable as well.