Virat Kohli Confirms Djokovic as Text Buddy: 'I Saw His Message Already on My DM'

India's star cricketer, Virat Kohli, revealed that his friendship with tennis legend Novak Djokovic started through Instagram. Kohli had sent Djokovic a message on the platform, and the tennis star responded, initiating a text-based friendship between the two athletes.

Kohli shared the story during a video on bcci.tv, stating, "I got in touch with Novak very organically. When I saw his profile on Instagram, I pressed the message button, I thought I would just message him. Then I saw his message already on my DM. I had never opened it. It was the first time I had opened my own messages. And he's messaged me himself."

The cricketer expressed mutual admiration and respect for Djokovic and mentioned exchanging messages with the tennis star. Kohli also shared that Djokovic congratulated him on hitting his 50th ODI century during the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai.

"When I got my 50th ODI century recently, Novak Djokovic put out a story and sent me a nice message as well, so there is mutual admiration and respect. It's really nice to connect with global athletes who are excelling at a high level. I have a lot of respect for him and his journey. His passion for fitness is something I dearly follow myself, so there was a lot to connect on."

Kohli expressed the hope of catching up with Djokovic when he visits India and perhaps playing tennis with him. He mentioned watching a video of Djokovic and Australian cricketer Steve Smith attempting to play cricket at a promotional event ahead of the Australian Open.

"I think he's way better than swinging the cricket bat than we are at swinging the tennis racquet. I think Steve did pretty well to return his serve. But I have seen tennis matches live, so I know how fast those serves are. But it would be nice to play tennis with Novak as well. Probably the only thing I can teach him is how to hold a cricket bat."

Djokovic, in a recent interaction on Sony Sports Network, also expressed admiration for India and shared his bond with Virat Kohli. He mentioned having great relationships with eminent personalities like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli and expressed a desire to return to India to explore its rich history, culture, and spirituality.

(With Agency Inputs)