Novak Djokovic is one of the most popular athletes around the world at present. The Serb has amassed a massive fanbase due to his prowess with a tennis racket. However, tennis is not the only sport that Novak follows or is passionate about. The other sport that has found a place in Novak‘s heart is none other than basketball.
Serbians are avid basketball fans, and the Serbian national team even made it to the finals of the FIBA World Cup before losing to Germany. Djokovic is no exception when it comes to the sport. Like Novak, his son Stefan, too, is an ardent lover of the game.
The Djokovic family attends matches together, and Novak is a well-known supporter of Crvena Zvezda. What some fans might find surprising is the fact that he and Stefan watch their rival Partizan’s matches too.
Stefan has the liberty to choose whichever team he wants. However, there are some rules he needs to adhere to, according to Novak. “He can support Partizan, but the moment I hear him insulting Zvezda’s players, or chanting insults against the biggest rival, or some other teams, that moment his campaign of attending basketball games ends! He knows it and respects it for now,” he said (via Sportal).
There are fun moments during these family outings as well. Novak revealed that when he was watching the Euroleague match between Partizan and AS Monaco, he had to pinch his son. The president of Monaco was seated next to them at the arena, and Novak thought his son was overboard with his support. Stefan was not happy, as he could not show support the way he wanted to.
Novak Djokovic is well-known for his love of basketball. He has been captured playing with his colleagues in the past. Unsurprisingly, he has caught many eyes.
Novak Djokovic impressed LeBron James
Over the years, Novak has won the adoration of fans with his tennis prowess. However, he also caught the eye of NBA legend LeBron James with his basketball skills.
Djokovic took to social media to post a clip of himself trying out some moves on the basketball court. He dribbled the ball and then took a mid-range jump shot. Djokovic tagged James in the clip, asking if he was ready for a 1:1 match.
James did not disappoint with his reply. “Ha! I’m going to say I think you are!! Beautiful follow-thru on that shot buddy!” He wrote in response.
Novak Djokovic and basketball go way back. He was on friendly terms with another NBA legend, Kobe Bryant, and commemorated him when he won the US Open. Djokovic is currently participating in the Nitto ATP Finals and is one of the frontrunners to win it.