After defeating Croatian qualifier Borna Gojo in the Round of 16, Novak Djokovic talked about his camaraderie with athletes from other sports. He said that he had a longstanding ‘relationship’ with NFL legend Tom Brady. The Serb also mentioned his links with Aaron Rodgers, NBA star Nikola Jokic, and Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Djokovic disclosed he has known Brady for years and talks regularly with him. He said that he tries to keep in touch with fellow athletes because he relates to the efforts these athletes put in to succeed in their sports. With Brady, it is the longevity and the diet they follow that has sparked a bond with Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic talks about his relationship with Tom Brady
Djokovic brushed past World No.105 Gojo in straight sets, winning 6-2, 7-5, 6-4. The Serb came into the match after an epic five-setter against compatriot Laslo Djere. The World No.2 came back from two sets down to win that game. After downing Gojo, a much more difficult opponent awaits him in the quarter-finals. Local favorite Taylor Fritz will take on Djokovic in the last 8 clash.
At the post-match press conference, Novak Djokovic discussed his relations with other athletes. He said he was honored that Brady was present in his box during the 2023 French Open final against Casper Ruud. The Serb won that match to bag his 23rd Grand Slam title and hugged the former quarterback right after.
Djokovic later used the photos from that day to wish the American on his birthday. He revealed knowing the NFL icon for years, saying Brady’s longevity and how he approached it is something they discuss often.
“Tom Brady being in my box for Roland Garros finals, and sitting next to my wife, was a huge honor. I have a relationship with Tom for several years. We go back. I have tremendous respect for him. His longevity, I feel like his way of approaching recovery, is something that I feel like is a subject that interests us both. We spoke a lot on that topic. Hopefully we will more pick each other’s brains in the future.”
The two have been friends for quite some time. Brady was one of the few athletes to voice his support for Djokovic during the latter’s visa debacle at the 2022 Australian Open. The Serb added that he tries to nurture relationships with athletes who are all-time greats in their respective sports, saying this gives him a chance to learn inspirational things.
Aaron Rodgers applauds Djokovic on Instagram
Brady is not the only NFL star Djokovic talked about. New York Jets quarterback Rodgers was present in the stands to see the #2 seed play his Round of 16 match. Djokovic acknowledged his showing up at Flushing Meadows. He said it was a ‘pleasure’ to have Rodgers in the stands and hoped that the American had a good time.
Rodgers put up an Instagram story praising Djokovic. He posted a photo of the three-time US Open champion getting ready to serve, writing that he fulfilled his ‘bucket list’ wish of watching the Serbian play live. Rodgers also seemingly backed Djokovic’s anti-vaccination stance, using the hashtag ‘#novaxdjokovic‘ next to a goat emoji.
Other than Rodgers, Djokovic also mentioned former footballer Ibrahimovic and fellow Serb Jokic. He called the Denver Nuggets center the greatest player in the world while also saying that he has known Ibrahimovic for 15 years. He said he keeps up with all the sports and admires the sportspersons and the sacrifices they make.
