Virat Kohli Receives High Praise from Tennis Legend Novak Djokovic for His Impact on Global Sport

April 21, 2026: It is not often that tennis and cricket come together, but Novak Djokovic and Virat Kohli have created a special crossover moment that has caught the attention of fans. The Serbian tennis legend recently spoke about his respect and admiration for Kohli. He also shared how the Indian cricket star helped him start following cricket. In an interview with Times Now, Djokovic spoke about their friendship and the bond they share across sports.

Djokovic credits Kohli for his interest in cricket

Djokovic said, "Virat is a friend and someone I, of course, respect and admire." He also said, "He's actually, to be honest, the reason why I started following cricket. I haven't followed it. So through him, I started following it more." He added, "We keep in touch."

Djokovic also spoke about meeting Kohli in India. He said, "And hopefully when I come, I don't want to say if, when I come to India, hopefully he can join and then we could do a little bit of tennis, a little bit of cricket, and have fun and just spread, you know, positive, good vibes with people and celebrate sport."

Novak Djokovic described Virat Kohli as a friend and someone he deeply respects and admires, adding that Kohli was the reason he began following cricket. pic.twitter.com/UPCATEzCUu

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) April 21, 2026

While Djokovic is not playing competitive tennis at the moment, Virat Kohli is still active in IPL 2026 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Kohli is the captain of the defending champions and is in good form this season. In six matches, he has scored 247 runs with a strike rate of 157.32. He has also hit two half-centuries and was recently dismissed on 49, just short of another fifty.

Kohli continues to perform strongly on the field, and his influence is also growing off the field. His fitness, passion, and discipline have made him a global sports figure. Djokovic’s comments show how Kohli inspires athletes beyond cricket and has a strong impact across different sports around the world.

Kohli Continues To Shine In IPL 2026

While Novak Djokovic is currently away from competitive tennis, Virat Kohli continues to play an important role in IPL 2026 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defending champions.

Even after retiring from T20 internationals following India’s T20 World Cup victory, Kohli has maintained strong form in the shortest format. In six matches, he has scored 247 runs at a strike rate of 157.32. His season includes two half-centuries and a recent dismissal on 49, just short of another milestone.

Kohli’s consistent performances continue to make an impact on the field, while his influence off the field also grows. His achievements and professionalism continue to earn admiration from global sports figures, including Novak Djokovic.