Novak Djokovic: "Virat Kohli & I have been texting a little bit... I have a task to perfect my cricket skills before I get to India"
Novak Djokovic recently revealed that he has been in touch with Indian cricket star Virat Kohli over text and plans to improve his cricketing skills before he comes to India.
Djokovic is all set to begin his title defence at the 2024 Australian Open against qualifier Dino Prizmic. The Serb recently sat down for an interview with Sony Sports Network ahead of the Grand Slam. In his conversation with former ATP Indian player turned analyst Somdev Devvarman, he professed his love and admiration for India.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion looked back on his last visit to the country, which came 10 years ago. He was in India to play in an exhibition tournament called the International Premier Tennis League alongside Roger Federer and other tennis stars.
Djokovic hoped to visit India soon and explore the country's beauty, history, culture, and spirituality.
"I have been to Indian only once so far in my life. It was, I think, 10 or 11 years ago. I came to play an exhibition event in New Delhi for two days. It was very short stay. So, I really hope that I will able to come back in the near future, too, because I have a great desire, great wish to explore your beautiful country that has so much history, so much culture to offer to the world and spirituality as well. It amazing," Djokovic said.
The Serb revealed that he has a great relationship with Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli and has been in conversation with him for a few years. Novak Djokovic lavished praises on Kohli's illustrious career and thanked Kohli for his kind words.
"Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for few years and we never got the chance to meet in person. But it was really a privilege and honour to listen him speak nicely about me and I obviously admire his career and achievement and everything he has done," the 37-year-old continued.
Djokovic added that he had started playing cricket and tasked himself with improving his cricket skills before he comes to India.
"I started to play cricket. I am not very good at it, but, obviously, cricket being very big sport in Australia and, of course, India. Let's say I will have a task to perfect my skills before I get to India so that I don't embarrass myself when I am there," he said.
Novak Djokovic plays cricket with Steve Smith ahead of 2024 Australian Open
Novak Djokovic participated in the charity event for the 2024 Australian Open on January 11 and entertained the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena with his skills in sports other than tennis. The Serb played basketball, did running drills, and, most notably, played cricket with renowned Australian cricketer Steve Smith.
Djokovic bowled to Smith in a makeshift pitch on center court. He thentried his hand at batting, facing a few balls from Smith and even managing to hit one into the crowd.
The two men then played tennis, and Steve Smith stunned the Serb and drew massive applause when he managed to return a pretty decent serve.