Novak Djokovic's special gesture for Kobe Bryant after US Open victory

It was an emotional night for Novak Djokovic after winning his 24th Grand Slam title in New York on September 10.

Adding to the special moment, Djokovic paid a heartfelt tribute to his old friend and basketball star Kobe Bryant, who tragically passed away in 2020.

Novak hits 24 and pays tribute to the late Kobe Bryant 💙 pic.twitter.com/rDXVUvYe1Z

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2023

Before the commencement of the award ceremony, the Serb changed into a tee shirt which read 'Mamba Forever'. Bryant was fondly called 'Mamba'.

Co-incidentally, Bryant used to wear #24 jersey when playing basketball and it was Djokovic's 24th Major victory.

Speaking after receiving his trophy, the 36-year-old recalled his relationship with the late NBA star.

“Kobe was a close friend… we chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality.”

Novak Djokovic on honoring Kobe Bryant after winning his 24th major title. 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/eS3SWbIhq4

— NBA (@NBA) September 11, 2023

'Kobe was a close friend, we chatted a lot about the winner's mentality when I was struggling with the injury and trying to make my comeback,' Djokovic began.

He also revealed that Kobe was one of the people he relied on the most for any kind of counsel advice, any kind of support.

'I thought 24 is the jersey he wore when he became a legend for the (LA) Lakers and world basketball so I thought it could be a nice, symbolic thing to acknowledge him for all the things he's done,' Novak concluded.