With Rafael Nadal missing out on the 2023 French Open, pundits backed the young guns like Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas to win it all. However, it was Novak Djokovic who asserted his dominance on clay, strengthening his claim in the GOAT debate. Dropping merely 2 sets in the entire tournament, the Serbian sensation would go on to be crowned the champion at Roland Garros. Clinching a 3rd career title at the French Open, the Djoker has created history by becoming the only man ever to win 23 Grand Slam titles. Displaying his love for Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality after the win, there was once a time when the Black Mamba also revealed his admiration for the Serbian.
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After defeating Norway’s Ruud 7-6, 6-3, 7-5 at the Philippe-Chatrier, the new World No. 1 revealed that he had predicted his Final win. Disclosing his use of the “Mamba Mentality” while envisioning a victory, even before the match started, the 36-year-old paid his tributes to the late Lakers legend.
“Mamba Mentality, Kobe Bryant. You know it’s going to happen already before it actually happens. So I truly believe in that power. Mental power, projecting your thoughts and creating your future.”
Novak Djokovic credited Kobe Bryant after his historic win at #RolandGarros.
The Black Mamba’s legacy lives on. 🐍 pic.twitter.com/ybyibNKhlv
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) June 11, 2023
Kobe Bryant on his relationship with Novak Djokovic
Novak and Kobe shared a mentor-mentee relationship. Helping the tennis sensation during his injury, the five-time NBA champ has often provided him with some valuable advice. The 2008 Most Valuable Player even revealed his affinity for Djoko by once selecting him over Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
In an interview with ESPN during the 2019 US Open, the two-time Finals MVP was asked to pick between tennis’ “Big 3”. Picking Djokovic over the other two members of the “holy trinity of tennis”, Bean gave an insight into his relationship with “Nole”.
“Well, Novak’s my guy. We have a relationship. We’ve had a relationship for a long time.”
Unfortunately, Djokovic ended up handing Stan Wawrinka a walkover due to injuries at the Round of 16 stage of the tournament.
“Kobe has been one of my mentors”: Novak
Back in 2020, Djokovic was among the many who were stunned by the news of Kobe’s sudden death.
In an interview with ESPN, the Serbian spoke about his relationship with the NBA legend at length. Detailing his mentor-mentee relationship with Kobe, the tennis star explained how Bryant was constantly providing him help during his recovery process from an elbow injury.
“Kobe has been one of my mentors. I’ve had several phone conversations with him…When I was going through the injury with my elbow and struggling…he was one of the people who was really there for me to give me some very valuable advice and guidelines to kind of believe and trust in myself, trust the process that I’ll be back.”
“I’m very grateful to him for being there for me, for being very supportive. I love Kobe, who doesn’t? He’s an amazing guy and one of the best basketball players and athletes of all time.”
There is no doubt that Bryant would’ve been extremely proud of Djokovic for winning a 23rd Grand Slam title. He would have also been happy that he had got his GOAT pick right four years ago.
