5 Moments when Virat Kohli and Novak Djokovic showed mutual respect ft Wimbledon 2025

Virat Kohli, the cricket legend, and Novak Djokovic, the tennis legend have created a re,spect across sports and frequently appreciate each other's sport accomplishments, because both are outstanding competitors and dedicate and dominate their sport. Kohli, a recently retired test player, was seen at Wimbledon 2025 with his wife Anushka Sharma. The couple cheered for Djokovic as he secured a four-set win over 11th seed Alex de Minaur on July 7. The moment highlighted the enduring admiration Kohli holds for Djokovic and their continuing camaraderie.

See Also: Novak Djokovic responds to Virat Kohli's Instagram story After Kohli Shows Support at Wimbledon 2025

Over the years, Kohli and Djokovic have publicly acknowledged each other, creating memorable interactions across sports. Their conversations on social media, interviews and other engagements have demonstrated true admiration and respect. Kohli even posted an Instagram Story after Djokovic won Wimbledon, writing, “business as usual for the (tennis) legend." Djokovic thanked Kohli and shared the post again, showing their friendship. From cross-sport inspiration to shared values of fitness and mental strength, their connection is a friendship built via excellence and mutual understanding. Here are five times when we witnessed Virat Kohli and Novak Djokovic show mutual respect for one another;

ODI World Cup 2023

Virat Kohli made history during the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India when he passed Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries. Kohli was able to do this in the semi-final against New Zealand on his home ground of Wankhede Stadium, where he scored a brilliant 117. With that innings, he became the first player to score 50 ODI centuries and thus changed the course of cricket history.

The occasion was celebrated globally, including through Serbian tennis great Novak Djokovic, who was recognized as a great athlete in his own right. Djokovic acknowledged Kohli in a social media congratulatory post and posted a story on Instagram as part of Kohli's accomplishments. Novak Djokovic expressed the mutual respect and appreciation for Kohli and it is obviously appreciated from Kohli's side, given he has achieved this with millions of fans.

Djokovic's Instagram story for Virat Kohli. This is what we talk about when we say globally recognition.🐐 pic.twitter.com/U6H4f8ximG

— Yashvi (@BreatheKohli) November 15, 2023

IND vs AFG 2024

During Afghanistan’s tour of India in 2024, Virat Kohli shared a fascinating anecdote about connecting with Novak Djokovic. Kohli did a recent interview shared by the BCCI on X, where he stated he contacted Djokovic to congratulate him on his unique lottery of accomplishments, underlining their mutual respect and appreciation as two sporting legends.

"There's been a mutual admiration, respect, and really nice to connect. I have a lot of respect for him, his journey, his passion for fitness, there's lot toconnect on," he had said.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

Virat Kohli 🤝 Novak Djokovic

Two 🐐 🐐, one special bond 💙

Virat Kohli shares the story about his newest "text buddy" 👌👌 - By @ameyatilak#TeamIndia | @imVkohli | @DjokerNole | @AustralianOpen

𝙋.𝙎. - "Hey Novak 👋 - Good luck at AO" pic.twitter.com/PEPQnydwJB

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2024

Australian Open 2024

During the Australian Open 2024, Novak Djokovic spoke about his bond with Indian cricket star Virat Kohli. He shared insights into their mutual respect and admiration, revealing that they have exchanged messages and supported each other’s careers over the years. Djokovic acknowledged the connection they’ve built despite coming from different sports, calling it a friendship rooted in shared passion and discipline.

"Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for a few years and we never got the chance to meet in person but it was really a privilege and honor to listen to him to speak nicely about me. I obviously admire all of his career and achievements and everything he has done," Djokovic had said in an interview with Sony Sports.

"I have great relationship with all the names that you mentioned and Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for a few Years"

Novak Djokovic on his friendship with Virat Kohli 🐐×🐐 pic.twitter.com/JmTZtHpNYu

— Gaurav (@Melbourne__82) January 13, 2024

Test Retirement

Novak Djokovic instagram story on
Virat Kohli's Test retirement. 🤍#ViratKohli𓃵 #Testcricket pic.twitter.com/OuJ6ZptwOE

— Akshat Om (@AkshatOM10) May 12, 2025

When Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket through an emotional Instagram post, the news quickly garnered widespread attention. Tributes and heartfelt messages poured in from fans and fellow cricketers, recognising his incredible contribution to the longest format of the game.

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic was one of many who congratulated Kohli, even posted an Instagram story honoring Kohli's achievements and legacy in Test cricket. The shared admiration between these two sporting greats connected the sports of cricket and tennis together.

Wimbledon 2025

As Novak Djokovic took out 11th seed Alex de Minaur at Wimbledon 2025, seeing Virat Kohli in attendance, he shared a story on his Instagram with the moment. Kohli congratulated Djokovic on an impressive win, while also giving an insight to their friendship and mutual respect as a cricket legend to a tennis legend.

"What a match. It was business as usual for the gladiator," Kohli wrote and tagged Djokovic as well.

Virat Kohli with some words for Novak Djokovic. 🐐💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/n24ntjxlb4

— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) July 7, 2025