Novak Djokovic credits Virat Kohli for cricket fandom, confirms India visit

Tennis icon opens up

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has revealed that Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is the sole reason he started following cricket. The 24-time Grand Slam champion made this disclosure on the sidelines of the Laureus World Sports Awards held on Tuesday. Djokovic also confirmed that he plans to travel to India soon to meet the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain.

 Kohli sparked cricket interest

The Serbian tennis star admitted he had no prior engagement with the sport before Kohli entered his orbit. “Yes, Virat is a friend and someone I, of course, respect and admire. He’s actually, to be honest, the reason why I started following cricket. I haven’t followed it. So through him, I started following it more,” Djokovic told Times Now.

 A meeting in India soon

Djokovic expressed strong intent to turn his virtual bond into a real-life meeting on Indian soil. “And, you know, we keep in touch. And hopefully when I come, I don’t want to say if, when I come to India, hopefully he can join, and then we could do a little bit of tennis, a little bit of cricket, and have fun and just spread positive, good vibes with people and celebrate sport,” he added.

 Mutual respect on display

The bond between the two sporting greats has been visible over the past year. Last season, Kohli attended Wimbledon and watched Djokovic’s match against Alex de Minaur. Following Djokovic’s victory, Kohli posted a congratulatory message on social media, which the tennis star warmly acknowledged. Such cross-sport admiration has rarely been seen at this scale involving an Indian cricketer.

 Djokovic feels India calling

Beyond his equation with Kohli, Djokovic spoke at length about his deep emotional connection with Indian fans. He said he has felt a strong urge to visit the country for several years. “My message is always love, respect, and appreciation for all the support over the years that I personally have been receiving from all the Indian tennis fans and Indian sports fans around the world. There are so many that I’ve been meeting all this time,” he said.

 A promise to Indian supporters

The Serbian ace did not hold back his enthusiasm about an India visit. “So I really hope that I’ll be able to come to India and do an event, play a match, or whatever it is. I really wish for that because I feel very close to Indian people,” Djokovic stated. His comments have already triggered speculation about a possible exhibition match or fan event involving both Djokovic and Kohli.

 Impact beyond cricket

Virat Kohli’s global influence continues to expand beyond cricket stadiums. As the ongoing IPL 2026 season draws massive viewership, Kohli remains the face of the league. His social media following surpasses several top NBA and football stars. When podcast host Joe Rogan recently learned that Kohli has more Instagram followers than LeBron James, he expressed genuine surprise. Moments like Djokovic’s open admiration further cement Kohli’s status as a truly global sporting icon.

 What next for fans

With Djokovic confirming an India visit, discussions are already underway about potential dates and venues. Sources indicate that the event could take place later this year, possibly in Mumbai or Delhi. If realised, a combined tennis-cricket exhibition featuring Djokovic and Kohli would be the first of its kind in India. For now, fans of both sports are eagerly waiting for an official announcement. The latest news today from India suggests that this cross-sport friendship is only set to grow stronger in the coming months.

Carlos Alcaraz Outlasts Alexander Zverev in Historic Australian Open Semifinal Thriller

In a monumental display of grit and skill, Carlos Alcaraz has secured his first-ever Australian Open final berth after a grueling five-set victory over Alexander Zverev. The match, which lasted a staggering 5 hours and 27 minutes, has entered the record books as the longest men's semifinal in the tournament's history.

The Spanish superstar ultimately triumphed with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(6), 7-5. This victory edges him closer to a career Grand Slam, needing only the Australian Open title to complete the coveted set of all four major championships.

A Marathon Match Tested Physical Limits

The battle was anything but straightforward. Alcaraz surged ahead, capturing the first two sets and seemingly controlling the tempo. However, the tide turned as Zverev, the World No. 3, mounted a fierce comeback, claiming the next two sets in tie-breakers to level the playing field.

The match's intensity peaked in the deciding fifth set, where Alcaraz broke Zverev's serve late to clinch the victory at 7-5. The total duration makes it the third-longest match ever played at the Australian Open, a testament to the sheer physical and mental fortitude required from both athletes.

Controversy Erupts Over Mid-Match Medical Timeout

The semifinal was not without drama. During the third set, Alcaraz appeared to experience significant physical distress, crouching down and grabbing his quadriceps. He subsequently received treatment during a changeover, a move that sparked immediate controversy.

German star Alexander Zverev was heard confronting the match official, alleging the treatment was for cramping, which is not permitted under Grand Slam rules for a medical timeout. According to sports journalist Olly Tennis, Zverev protested, stating, “It's unbelievable that he gets treated for cramps, it's BS.” This incident adds a contentious layer to an already epic showdown, though it did not derail Alcaraz's ultimate path to victory.

A Date with Destiny in the Final

Having sealed his final berth, Carlos Alcaraz now awaits the winner of the second semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner. A final against the legendary Djokovic would set up a blockbuster clash for the ages, while a matchup with the in-form Sinner promises a thrilling battle of youth and power.

Regardless of his opponent, Alcaraz will enter the final having been tested like never before. His ability to overcome not just a top-tier rival like Zverev, but also intense physical strain and match-length pressure, proves his championship mettle. The tennis world will watch closely this Sunday as the young Spaniard bids to make history and claim his place among the sport's immortals with a career Grand Slam.