Novak Djokovic Wants to Play Tennis and Cricket With Virat Kohli During India Visit

Key Takeways:

• Former World No.1 Tennis Player, Novak Djokovic said, he and Virat Kohli have texted and supported each other for several years.

• The Serbian Tennis icon hopes to meet King Kohli in person and play a cricket and tennis match with him in India.

• Djokovic called Virat a dear friend and he is the very reason why he started following Cricket.

Two of the modern sporting legends and the most decorated players in their generation could soon be seen together. Speaking at the Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic opened about his growing bond with Indian superstar batter, Virat Kohli and his long-awaited plan to meet him in person.

The multi-grand slam winner, Djokovic revealed that his friendship with Kohli has so far existed only from afar. “We have not met in person. We have texted. We have been in touch for the last few years, following each other, supporting each other, and admiring each other’s, you know, careers,” Djokovic said about his rapport with the Indian cricketer.

He then said about his long-awaited wish. “Hopefully I will get a chance to meet with him in person and play some cricket and play some tennis. It will be nice, and I am also planning to come to India soon, so maybe that’s where we can get a link-up.”

Kohli got me interested in cricket: Novak Djokovic

The roots of admiration between the sporting legends run quite deep. Earlier this year at the Laureus World Sports Awards, the Serbian said, “Virat is a friend and someone I, of course, respect and admire. He is actually, to be honest, the reason why I started following cricket.”

For a man raised in Serbia, where cricket is barely played, that was a significant admission. “I hadn't followed it before, but through him, I started following it more,” Djokovic said, crediting the Indian great with opening his eyes to the sport completely.

Djokovic has gone to the extent of sketching what a potential meeting with Kohli might look like. “We could do a little bit of tennis and a little bit of cricket, have fun, and just spread positive, good vibes while celebrating sport,” he said, framing the idea as a joyful coming together.

It would also unite the two record-breaking careers. Djokovic is one of the most decorated and respected players in the tennis world. At the same time, Kohli ranks among the top cricket players of the world, with recently steering his IPL team, Bengaluru Royal Challengers to their second consecutive IPL titles in 2026.

Novak Djokovic loves the idea of visiting India

The tennis sensation’s affection for India runs far beyond Virat Kohli. “See you very soon in India, because I need to go there,” Djokovic told Times Now earlier in the year, adding that he feels “very close to the people of India” after years of their support.

For now, his main focus remains on chasing history at the Wimbledon, where a title win would secure a 25th Grand Slam Title. Djokovi, aged 38, is still hunting greatness, and he looks eager to one day share a field and friendship with Kohli.