US Open 2023: Novak Djokovic honours Kobe Bryant after 24th major title

Novak Djokovic paid tribute to late NBA legend Kobe Bryant after he won his record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open. The Serb changed from his blue T-shirt into a shirt that said “Mamba Forever” during the trophy presentation. Djokovic beat Russia’s Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to clinch his fourth US Open crown. In the process, Djokovic exacted revenge on Medvedev for his loss two years ago at this venue. Afterwards, Djokovic revealed a T-shirt with an image of him alongside Bryant – whose nickname was “Mamba”. On the back was 24, the number worn by the Los Angeles Lakers icon during his NBA career. Djokovic said Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020, had helped him through some of the most challenging times of his career – notably a career-threatening elbow injury in 2017.

Novak shares the idea behind his tribute to Kobe 🗣 pic.twitter.com/aFd7xStqVx

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2023

“I thought about doing this t-shirt a few days ago,” said Djokovic. “I didn’t share it with anybody. Kobe was a close friend of mine, we chatted a lot, about the winner’s mentality. “When I was struggling with injury and trying to work my way back to the top he was one of the people I relied on the most he was always there for support in the most friendly way. “His passing hurt me deeply and 24 is the jersey he wore at Lakers so I thought it would be nice to acknowledge him.”