Novak Djokovic is revered as one of the greatest tennis players of all time and he recently solidified his spot in tennis history at the 2023 French Open. The superstar channelized his inner Kobe Bryant and fought hard against Casper Rudd. Novak stunned the entire world with his dominance at age 36. While his fan base lets the French Open victory sink in, the Serbian tennis GOAT had a special message dedicated to the Los Angeles Lakers legend.
Following his impressive 23rd Grand Slam victory, Djokovic made sure he paid respect where it was due. He wore a jacket that had the number 23 embroidered on it.
The reporter had asked him about it to which he replied saying, “Mamba Mentality, Kobe Bryant. You know it’s going to happen already before it actually happens. I truly believe in that power. Mental power, projecting your thoughts and creating your future.”
“Mamba Mentality, Kobe Bryant. You know it’s going to happen already before it actually happens. I truly believe in that power. Mental power, projecting your thoughts and creating your future.”
Novak Djokovic on his mindset before the French Open finalhttps://t.co/W8iK7rvSO7
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 11, 2023
Bryant was a firm believer in developing a winning mindset. The former 5x NBA Champion always made sure he performed better than everybody around him, even during practice. That is exactly why Kobe was one of the fiercest competitors in the league. His work ethic and mindset of being better than others instilled fear in his opponents’ hearts. Djokovic came in with the mindset of walking out of the stadium victorious.
Novak Djokovic dethrones Rafael Nafal for most men’s Grand Slam titles
Novak Djokovic had been struggling to win ever since emerging victorious at the Australian Open back in January of this year. This was followed by two quarter-final exits at the Italian and Srpska Open. He had an early exit at the Monte-Carlo Masters against Lorenzo Musetti. At the Dubai Tennis Championships, Djokovic came close to reaching the finals but was dominated by Daniil Medvedev.
It seemed as of he regained his prime form and lashed out on Casper Ruud at the French Open. Over the last couple of years, former world No.1 ranked tennis star, Rafael Nadal held the record for most men’s Grand Slam titles with 22. With his impressive victory, Djokovic has now taken the throne with 23 Grand Slam titles. Nadal also shared a wholesome message via Twitter congratulating his rival for setting a new world record.
Many congrats on this amazing achievement @DjokerNole
23 is a number that just a few years back was imposible to think about, and you made it!
Enjoy it with your family and team! 👏🏻— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) June 11, 2023
Nadal recently was supposed to participate in the French Open but pulled out due to a hip injury. Multiple sources claim that Nadal added that 2024 will be his final year playing competitive tennis. Both individuals have been legends in the sport of tennis. They last played against each other during the 2022 French Open which Nadal won.