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

On Monday, a packed Tennis Court watched Novak Djokovic cruise past Alex de Minaur to book his place in the Wimbledon 2025 quarterfinals. The Serbian champion displayed his trademark skill and control, impressing the crowd with a solid performance in this much-anticipated round-of-16 match against the Australian, further proving why he remains a top contender.

Cricket star Virat Kohli, accompanied by his wife, was present to witness the amazing fight between the two players. It was his first appearance after his test retirement. The match also drew several big names from the sports world.

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Enjoying iconic event

 Tennis legend Roger Federer, along with English cricketers Joe Root and James Anderson, also attended the match. Their presence added to the star-studded atmosphere, as fans witnessed an incredible showdown filled with grit, skill, and sportsmanship on the grand stage of Wimbledon.

Djokovic Responds to Virat Kohli’s Instagram Story:

Virat Kohli was left amazed by Djokovic’s sensational fightback in the round-of-16 battle. After Alex de Minaur dominated the opening set 6-1, the match seemed one-sided. However, Djokovic, showing trademark resilience, turned the tide with two brilliant comebacks, putting himself just a set away from a remarkable win and leaving fans, including Kohli, in awe.

Following the exciting match, Virat Kohli shared a moment from the game through a story on his Instagram handle. Where he wrote, What a win! It was business as usual for the gladiator." In reply to his appreciation, tennis star Novak Djokovic replied, “Thank you for supporting” on his social media account.

Novak Djokovic on his friendship with Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/r8sZuilSrZ

— 𝘿 (@Vk18xCr7) August 4, 2024

With this 100th win at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic became the third player to achieve this historic milestone alongside two other absolute tennis superstars, Martina Navratilova and Roger Federer. Up next, Djokovic is set to take on Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals on July 9, aiming to extend his historic run.

Virat Kohli is currently in London, so it was no surprise to see him enjoying a day out at Wimbledon 2025. The former Indian Test captain, who announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year, was seen watching the Men’s Round of 16 match between Novak Djokovic and Australia’s Alex de Minaur. Djokovic, last year’s finalist, didn’t disappoint. Even after losing the first set 1-6, he bounced back strongly to win the match in four sets: 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma at Wimbledon. ❤️

- Virushka Moments..!!!! pic.twitter.com/s9MJio5I0j

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 7, 2025

Many fans thought Kohli would travel to England for the five-match Test series against the hosts. But just before the squad was announced, he surprised everyone by stepping away from the longest format. After leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first IPL title in June 2025, Kohli headed to London to relax and spend time with his family.

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Virat isn’t someone who posts a lot on Instagram, but he recently gave fans a small update. A few days ago, he posted a story for India’s current Test captain, Shubman Gill, praising him for scoring 430 runs in the Edgbaston Test. Now, just two days later, Kohli was spotted at Centre Court with his wife Anushka Sharma. The two looked elegant in formal outfits as they watched the exciting match unfold. Other well-known faces like Joe Root, Roger Federer, and James Anderson were also seen in the crowd, making it a special day at Wimbledon.

India skipper Rohit Sharma was full of emotions after the title-clinching seven-run win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados on Saturday. Rohit, who finished the tournament as India’s highest run-getter, was visibly ecstatic as India ended their more than decade-long ICC title drought without legendary captain MS Dhoni.

Unique celebration gets appreciation

Just after securing the title, Rohit patted the ground multiple times and was also seen eating the soil of Kensington Oval’s pitch as Indian players continued their celebrations. The official social media account of Wimbledon shared pictures of Rohit and Novak Djokovic in similar actions, highlighting the similarity between the two sports greats. FIFA also posted about his trophy walk, comparing it to Lionel Messi’s. Netizens quickly noticed Rohit’s epic soil-eating celebration, reminiscent of Djokovic’s habit of eating grass after winning the Wimbledon Grand Slam. Rohit had previously admitted to being a Djokovic fan.

Rohit, who had played in each edition of the T20 World Cup, announced his retirement from T20Is, following the footsteps of his teammate Virat Kohli. Both players will continue to play ODI and Test cricket for the country.

India’s nerve-wracking Victory

In a nervy summit clash, the Men in Blue remained calm and composed in a pressure situation and successfully defended 176 despite Heinrich Klaasen’s fiery 52 off 27 balls. Hardik Pandya bagged the crucial dismissal and scripted a late fightback to help secure India’s second T20 World Cup title. India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah also built pressure from the other end, taking the wicket of Marco Jansen. Pandya returned to stamp his authority with the scalps of David Miller and Kagiso Rabada in the final over, restricting South Africa to 169/8 in 20 overs.

Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bat first but were struggling at 34/3 after 4.3 overs, losing Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav inside the powerplay. However, Virat Kohli stepped up, playing an anchor knock of 76 off 59 balls, while Axar Patel scored 47 off 31 balls to take their total to 176/7.

India’s victory was a testament to their resilience and skill, with key performances from both the batting and bowling units. The celebrations that followed, especially Rohit’s unique gesture, added a memorable chapter to India’s cricketing history.