Novak Djokovic and Virat Kohli have confirmed they share a friendly bond and maintain a relationship through regular texting [1].
The connection between the two global sports icons highlights a cross-sport admiration that bridges tennis and cricket, two of the world's most popular sports.
Djokovic said the Indian cricketer inspired his interest in following cricket [2]. This mutual respect became a public focal point during the Wimbledon Championships in London [1]. The friendship was highlighted on July 7, 2025 [1].
Kohli attended a match during the tournament to support the Serbian tennis star. At the time, Djokovic was entering the last eight of the competition [3]. Kohli said the tennis player was a "gladiator on the court" [4].
Djokovic later confirmed the nature of their interaction, saying, "Virat Kohli and I have been texting" [1]. The tennis star also noted that Kohli's influence played a role in his decision to follow the sport of cricket [2].
While some reports focused on their digital communication, other accounts documented Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, attending the matches in person [5]. This combination of private messaging and public support underscores a genuine professional kinship between the athletes.
“"Virat Kohli and I have been texting"”
The public alignment of Kohli and Djokovic represents a significant intersection of sporting influence. By bridging the gap between European tennis and Indian cricket, the two athletes leverage their massive global fanbases to promote cross-cultural sports interest, specifically increasing the visibility of cricket among international audiences.
