By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
After already witnessing Nikola Jokic in action both in Serbia and in Turkey with the national team, Novak Djokovic finally managed to watch his friend and countryman legend hooping in the NBA.
Enjoying from courtside as Nikola Jokic dropped a stat line of 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in the win over the Los Angeles Lakers, the tennis icon talked with the Denver Post in the aftermath about the Serbian center’s legacy with the Denver Nuggets.
“What he has done for not just Serbian basketball but European basketball in general is incredible. He has rewritten the history books in the last three years, and he just keeps going. He is in his prime. He’s the best”, Novak Djokovic proudly stated.
Commenting on being both Serbian, the 36-year-old stated the importance of it. “We’re super proud of him. I’m a great supporter of him, and everything he does. We didn’t have too many athletes like him in the history [of Serbia], so he’s right up there. And he still isn’t finished”, he commented.
The two have been close to each other in recent times. “We always followed each other’s careers and respected and admired each other. So now I think the more time passes by, the more we appreciate each other and what we are doing professionally. But also privately, I think we click really well. He’s a family-oriented guy like myself”, Novak Djokovic talked about Jokic’s attitude.
Moreover, the 24-time Grand Slam winner touched once again on Denver’s superstar’s origins. “He’s really close with his family, with his origins, with his country, with his city. And it’s very important obviously to never forget where you came from. He reached the summit of one of the most important sports in the world and is one of the most recognized athletes in the world. It’s just amazing he’s from Serbia”, he underlined.
Serbian Legends 🇷🇸
Novak Djokovic 🤝 Nikola Jokic #NBACelebRow pic.twitter.com/36ayKKGATe
— NBA (@NBA) March 3, 2024