Novak Djokovic: Virat Kohli Sparked My Cricket Fandom, India Visit Imminent

POLICY WIRE — Madrid, Spain — Tennis legend Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, openly shared his profound admiration for Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli during the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, an event he co-hosted with freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu.

During the prestigious ceremony, Djokovic articulated his deep appreciation for Indian supporters, disclosing that his personal engagement with cricket originated through Kohli’s influence.

Prior to the main event, in a red-carpet interview, the acclaimed tennis player was questioned about any message he wished to convey to India. He affirmed his long-standing admiration for the nation and its fervent fanbase, concurrently expressing a strong aspiration to visit India in the near future.

“My constant message is one of love, respect, and profound appreciation for the immense support I’ve personally received from Indian tennis and sports enthusiasts globally over the years,” Djokovic conveyed to Times Now. “I’ve encountered countless Indian fans throughout my career. Furthermore, my message is a promise: ‘See you very soon in India,’ as I feel a compelling need to visit. This calling to experience India has grown stronger over the past few years. I sincerely hope to visit, whether to host an event, play a match, or for any other occasion. My wish is genuine, as I feel a strong connection to the Indian people.”

Hailing from Serbia, a nation where cricket traditionally holds limited popularity, Djokovic further elaborated on how Virat Kohli was instrumental in cultivating his passion for the sport. This insight highlights the global reach of athletic figures like Kohli, capable of transcending national sports preferences. For more on exciting cricket developments, read about Tilak Varma’s Maiden IPL Century.

“Indeed, Virat is a friend, and someone I hold in immense respect and admiration,” Djokovic stated. “Truthfully, he is the precise reason I began to follow cricket. Before knowing him, I had no interest, but through our connection, my engagement with the sport deepened. We maintain communication, and I sincerely hope that upon my eventual arrival in India – I prefer to say ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ – he can join me. We could enjoy some tennis, perhaps some cricket, and collectively foster positive energy while celebrating the spirit of sport.”

Laureus Awards Celebrate Global Sports Excellence

In other significant news from the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026, tennis prominently featured among the top accolades. Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz was honored as the Sportsman of the Year, while Belarus’s Aryna Sabalenka received the Sportswoman of the Year award, marking a strong showing for the sport.

The prestigious, star-studded ceremony took place at the historic Cibeles Palace in Madrid, serving as a global platform to recognize outstanding achievements across the entire spectrum of international sports.

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