Novak Djokovic, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, has shown his support for his fellow Serbian athlete Nikola Jokic, the NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player, by wearing Jokic’s Denver Nuggets jersey during practice at the 2021 French Open.
In an Instagram video, Djokovic can be seen chanting “MVP! MVP!” as he congratulates Jokic on his award. Djokovic said he was wearing the jersey to honor his friend Nikola and to bring him luck in the NBA playoffs.
The two Serbian superstars have a close friendship, with Jokic also sending his best wishes to Djokovic ahead of his French Open semifinal match against Rafael Nadal, which Djokovic went on to win.
Djokovic has praised Jokic, calling him a “Serbian ambassador” and an “idol to the kids in Serbia.” Jokic, in turn, has said that he and Djokovic “cannot be compared” due to Djokovic’s larger global impact.
The gesture of Djokovic wearing Jokic’s jersey is a show of support and camaraderie between two of Serbia’s most prominent athletes. It highlights the strong bond between the two and their shared pride in representing their home country on the world stage.
