After Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli, joined by his wife and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, showed up to witness Novak Djokovic's electrifying Round of 16 clash against Australia’s Alex de Minaur at Wimbledon on Monday, an old video of Djokovic heaping praise on Kohli has gone viral. The surprise presence of the star couple lit up Centre Court. Kohli, equally elated, later took to Instagram to share a heartfelt story for Djokovic, celebrating their growing camaraderie and the thrilling evening.

Djokovic spoke highly of Kohli on the sidelines of Australian Open in 2024, emphasising their deepening friendship. "Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for a few years and we never got the chance to meet in person, but it was really a privilege and an honour to listen to him speak nicely about me," said Djokovic of the Indian batting star and former captain.

"I obviously admire all of his career and achievements and everything he has done," added Djokovic, heaping praise on Kohli for his exploits in cricket. In May, Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket. He amassed 9,230 runs in 123 Test matches, making him the fourth-highest run-scorer for India, trailing only fellow Indian all-time greats Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. The star batter, who 2011 World Cup and 2013 and 2025 Champions Trophy, will continue to play for India in ODI and T20I cricket.

Djokovic also said that he needs to perfect his cricket skills to avoid embarrassment. "I started to play cricket. I'm not very good at it, but you know, obviously cricket being a very big, big sport in Australia and of course India... You know, let's say that I'll have a task to perfect my cricket skills before I get to India so that I don't embarrass myself when I'm there."

In January, the Serbian great - who is chasing his 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon - was spotted at a Big Bash League (BBL) match in Melbourne, Australia. However, this was not the first time he attended a cricket match or tried out the sport. He was visibly intrigued by the dynamics of cricket during a game between Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars at Docklands Stadium.

Djokovic was left awestruck when Kane Richardson took a sky-high catch to dismiss Marcus Stoinis off Tom Rogers in the 8th over of the Melbourne Stars' innings. Rogers bowled a full delivery in the slot and Stoinis gave it a mighty swing of the bat. The ball went many a mile up in the air and almost touched the roof of the stadium before coming down. Richardson waited for the sky-high ball at long-on and caught it.

In 2024, Djokovic and Australian star Steve Smith switched roles at the ‘Novak and Friends’ charity event at the Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic - a self-proclaimed spinner - rolled his arm over to bowl to Smith. He then traded his racket for a cricket bat and pulled one into the crowd. He hit another into the stands when Jackson Warne, the son of the late spin wizard Shane Warne, took over the bowling duties.