SUMMARY
- Novak Djokovic is one of the best athletes in the world at present and has inspired many others.
- Erling Haaland opened up about admiring Djokovic in a recent interview.
Novak Djokovic is one of the most popular tennis stars in the world at present. The Serb has ratcheted numerous titles and trophies and is widely considered to be one of the greatest ever to play the sport. Djokovic has influenced the new generation to pick up a racket. However, it seems that his influence transcends tennis, as Manchester City star Erling Haaland also looks up to him.
So far in his career, Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slams and is on the hunt for a record 25th title. Novak’s athleticism and his prowess as a player are second to none. Moreover, Novak is a shining example of the drive to be the best in the business, despite his humble beginnings. Many have hailed this trait of Novak’s, and it is a quality that other athletes admire, including Haaland.
During a recent interview for the official Manchester City podcast, Haaland hailed Djokovic’s exploits on the court. He singled out Novak for his achievements and how he has stayed true to himself despite being put through the wringer.
Erling Haaland when asked who his sporting hero from another sport is:
“I like Djokovic. I think he’s good, he’s being himself and what he has achieved is amazing, coming from nowhere and from his country. I take Djokovic.” [via Man City podcast] pic.twitter.com/XHJgwLhXTj
— N (@Cfcnicco) February 5, 2024
“I like Djokovic. I think he’s good, he’s being himself and what he has achieved is amazing, coming from nowhere and from his country. I’ll take Djokovic,” he said on the show (via Tennis365).
Haaland has established himself as a lethal striker for the soccer giants. He joined the club during the 22/23 season and broke the Premier League record for most goals in a season. The Norwegian struck the back of the net 36 times and helped them win a historic treble.
The 2023 season was hugely successful for Novak Djokovic as well. He won three of the four major tournaments and hopes to add a few more to his name this year too. The Serb had a graceful response to Erling’s words.
Novak Djokovic responds to Erling Haaland
The world No. 1 did not have the best start to the year. He crashed out of the Australian Open after Jannik Sinner demolished him in the semifinals. Novak has stayed away from social media since then, but he took the time to thank Haaland.
Thank you bro @ErlingHaaland 🙏💪 https://t.co/ouD3t0HZxA
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) February 6, 2024
Game recognizes game. Novak Djokovic has achieved what others can only dream of. Erling Haaland, too, has etched himself in Manchester City’s history. Djokovic will play at Indian Wells next, his first appearance since 2019.