Novak Djokovic pays tribute to late pro basketballer Kobe Bryant after 24th Grand Slam title

Fans went wild after Novak Djokovic unzipped his jacket and explained the meaning behind his T-shirt after claiming his 24th Grand Slam.

Fans have gone wild over a touching moment during Novak Djokovic’s spectacular US Open victory where he paid tribute to late friend and pro basketball player, Kobe Bryant.

Djokovic claimed a 24th Grand Slam title after defeating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets on Monday, drawing level with Margaret Court on the all-time list.

Returning to the court following his win, the Serbian had donned a blue T-shirt emblazoned with a photo of him and Bryant smiling together and the words, “Mamba Forever”.

On the back of the shirt was the number 24 – Bryant’s jersey number and the number of Grand Slams now won by the Serb.

Djokovic said he knew he wanted to pay special tribute to Bryant if he won the match.

“I thought of doing this T-shirt eventually if I get the chance to win the tournament. It was about seven days ago,” he said during his trophy speech.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic paid tribute to late basketball star Kobe Bryant. Picture: ANGELA WEISS/AFP

“Kobe was a close friend. We chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality when I was struggling with the injury and working my way back to the top of the game.

“He was one of the people that I relied on the most, he was always there for any kind of advice and support in the most friendly way. What happened a few years ago hurt me deeply. So I thought it could be a nice symbolic thing to acknowledge him.”

Fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium erupted when Djokovic exposed the shirt and continued its applause when he turned to show the number on the back.

The gesture attracted an enormous response online too, where fans praised him for his “thoughtful” move.

Djokovic described Bryant as a close friend. Picture: ANGELA WEISS/AFP

“Winning #24 and honouring the greatest #24. Congrats to Novak Djokovic you are the GOAT [greatest of all time],” one person wrote to X, formerly Twitter.

“This moment will be remembered as one of the most beautiful moments in sporting history.

Mamba 4 life. Novak Djokovic, thank you,” another said.

Djokovic’s win made him the oldest US Open champion of the Open era since Ken Rosewall back in 1970 and secured him his fourth US Open crown.

He was shown celebrating with his children Stefan and Tara before revelling in the moment with his team.

Medvedev was gracious in defeat and heaped praise on the dominance of his opponent.

“First of all I want to ask Novak, what are you still doing here? C’mon. … I feel like I have not a bad career and I have 20 titles. You have 24 Grand Slams. Wow,” he said.

Unfortunately for the Russian the final fell on the date of his anniversary with his wife and after delivering the perfect anniversary present two years ago, today it wasn’t to be.

“Sh*t gift today,” he said.

Djokovic in the middle of his speech returned the praise to Medvedev and congratulated him and his partner on their anniversary.

The shirt displayed the number 24 which was Bryant’s jersey number. Picture: Twitter

“Please don’t take this the wrong way: Happy anniversary to your wife,” Djoker said.

The Serbian said the win meant the world to him and thanked his parents for sacrificing so much in his younger years to help him chase his dreams.

“It means the world to me. I’m really living my childhood dream,” Djokovic said.

“To compete at the highest level in the sport that has given me and my family so much coming from very difficult circumstances and adversities during the 90s, a couple of wars in our country and being able to push that through.

“Especially for my parents, giving a lot of sacrifice to support me and play this very expensive sport at the time, not affordable.

“I fell in love with tennis, it was quite a choice, but incredible resilience, believe from my parents and all the people around me all these years, everyone. This is your trophy as much as is mine. I love you.”

– with James McKern