New York
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Kobe Bryant after his victory at the US Open 2023 men’s singles event. Djokovic won the title by defeating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Before the trophy presentation, Djokovic unveiled a T-shirt with an image of himself alongside the LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, bearing the message ‘Mamba Forever.’ In a press statement, Djokovic shared his motivation for this tribute: I thought of doing this T-shirt eventually if I got the chance to win the tournament. Kobe was a close, close friend. We chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality when I was struggling with an injury and trying to make my comeback, work my way back to the top of the game. Djokovic’s victory marked his fourth US Open title and his 24th Grand Slam singles title, tying the record. This win also established him as the oldest US Open men’s singles champion in the Open Era. Djokovic’s 2023 Grand Slam victories include the Australian Open and the French. Open, making him the first man to win three Grand Slam singles titles in a season four times. The triumph was also a form of redemption for Djokovic, as Medvedev had halted his bid to become the first man to win all four Grand Slams in a single year since Rod Laver in 1969. Following his victory, Djokovic is set to return to the world No. 1 ranking.
