‘Another GOAT’: Novak Djokovic sends DM to Aussie during court hearing

Novak Djokovic was fretting over his legal challenge in court on Sunday but still found time to send a classy message to Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Novak Djokovic sent Thanasi Kokkinakis a classy Instagram message. Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic both deserve Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) status in the eyes of Thanasi Kokkinakis.

The Swiss champion is missing from this year’s Australian Open because of injury but he’s still keeping a close eye on the action Down Under — in particular local star Thanasi Kokkinakis and his run towards the Adelaide International title.

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The 25-year-old — who has endured a wretched run of injuries and illness throughout his career — won his maiden trophy on the ATP Tour on Saturday, beating Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 6-7 (6-8) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3.

Federer was thrilled to see Kokkinakis finally enjoy some success after a shocking streak of bad luck, sending the Aussie a direct message on Instagram congratulating him on his victory.

Kokkinakis shared a screen shot of the exchange in which Federer said: “Maiden title at home big fella. Love the sound of that Thanaser. Amazing … Keep going,” with a love heart emoji at the end.

Kokkinakis replied: “You’re the man!”

In his screenshot, posted on an Instagram story, Kokkinakis added: “He’s still the (goat emoji).”

Djokovic also sent Kokkinakis a message, writing: “Congrats on your maiden title in home town, Thanasi. After all the hardship injuries have caused you, I am sure this feels even sweeter.

“You deserve it! Great for tennis. Good luck in Melbourne.”

Kokkinakis posted a screen grab of Djokovic’s message on his Instagram story, calling the world No. 1 “another (goat emoji)”.

Djokovic’s message appeared to be sent at 13.24, or 1.24pm, according to Kokkinakis’ screenshot. That would have been during the lunch break of the Serbian’s court hearing on Sunday to challenge his visa cancellation.

Roger Federer is all class.

Djokovic loved what he saw from Kokkinakis.

It’s not the first time Federer has slid into Kokkinakis’ DMs. After the Adelaide product won through to the second round of last year’s Australian Open, the 20-time major winner sent him a message saying: “Nice one Thanaser. Happy for you.”

Kokkinakis clearly appreciated the kind gesture, sharing the DM on his Instagram story and adding: “What a king @rogerfederer” with an emoji with love heart eyes.

Kokkinakis was emotional after beating Rinderknech on Saturday night, dropping to his knees and kissing the court.

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt emotions like that. You grow up playing and you never know if it’s going to happen,” Kokkinakis said.

“To do it in Adelaide, on a court I grew up playing on when I was seven, eight, nine years old and in front of friends and family – they’ve had a tough year, they’ve ridden the ups and downs with me – I’m so happy.”

Soak it all in. (Photo by Brenton Edwards / AFP)