In a moment uniting two of the world’s greatest sporting icons, tennis legend Novak Djokovic responded with a humble four-word reply to Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli’s powerful praise, sending fans into a frenzy across social media platforms.
The Viral Exchange: Gladiator To Gladiator
After Djokovic’s gritty five-set victory at Wimbledon 2025 pre-quarterfinals, Virat Kohli took to Instagram Stories to hail the Serbian maestro, writing:
“Absolute gladiator on court.”
Djokovic, known for his calm humour and gracious replies, reshared Kohli’s story and simply wrote:
“Thank you my brother 🙏”
These four words – “Thank you my brother” – set the internet alight, with fans from both sports celebrating their mutual respect and elite sporting mindsets.
Two Legends, One Spirit
| Athlete | Major Titles | Global Social Media Followers | Nickname |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novak Djokovic | 24 Grand Slams | ~12 million (IG) | Nole |
| Virat Kohli | 80+ International centuries | ~265 million (IG) | King Kohli |
Both icons share:
- Extreme mental toughness, overcoming injuries, form slumps, and criticism.
- Cult-like fanbases who see them as gladiators redefining their sport’s standards.
- A strong fitness ethic, inspiring young athletes worldwide.
Fans React To Djokovic’s Humble Response
Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, were flooded with reactions:
- “Two GOATs acknowledging each other. Respect 👑🐐.”
- “Kohli called him gladiator, Djokovic calls him brother. Legends only talk like this.”
- “If Kohli played tennis, he would have been like Djokovic. If Djokovic played cricket, he would have been Kohli.”
Why Kohli Called Djokovic A ‘Gladiator’
Djokovic, 37, displayed trademark resilience during his latest Wimbledon match, fighting back from two sets down to win 4-6, 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-2 against 10th seed Ben Shelton. His:
- Unbreakable defence
- Fitness and mobility despite knee issues
- Calm composure under immense pressure
…earned him the ‘gladiator’ tag from Kohli, who himself is known for similar fighting spirit during run chases and high-stakes games.
Sports Icons Who Publicly Admire Each Other
| Indian Athlete | International Athlete They Admire | Public Display |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Novak Djokovic | Instagram praise calling him a ‘Gladiator’ |
| MS Dhoni | Roger Federer | Attended his matches and called him the ‘most elegant sportsman ever’ |
| Neeraj Chopra | Usain Bolt | Considers him the ultimate Olympic inspiration |
| PV Sindhu | Rafael Nadal | Admires his fighting spirit |
Djokovic And India: A Special Bond
Djokovic has previously expressed his admiration for Indian culture:
- He practices yoga and meditation, often guided by Indian spiritual philosophies.
- In past interviews, he has mentioned listening to Indian instrumental music to calm his mind pre-match.
- He also shares a friendship with Indian doubles ace Rohan Bopanna, who praised Djokovic’s discipline and humility during joint ATP tournaments.
Kohli’s Own Fitness Inspired By Tennis Icons
Virat Kohli, known for revolutionising Indian cricket’s fitness culture, has openly credited:
- Tennis players like Djokovic and Federer for demonstrating longevity through supreme physical conditioning.
- Incorporating tennis-based footwork drills and flexibility exercises into his off-season training.
The Djokovic-Kohli Mutual Admiration Timeline
| Year | Incident |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Kohli mentions in an interview that Djokovic’s fitness levels motivate him to keep evolving as an athlete. |
| 2021 | Djokovic likes Kohli’s post praising sportsmanship in Olympics. |
| 2023 | Kohli comments on Djokovic’s Instagram post after his 23rd Grand Slam win: “Inspirational as always champ!” |
| 2025 | Djokovic replies to Kohli’s ‘gladiator’ praise with “Thank you my brother 🙏”. |
Djokovic’s Wimbledon 2025 Journey So Far
- First Round: Defeated Hugo Gaston in straight sets.
- Second Round: Beat Stan Wawrinka in four sets.
- Third Round: Outlasted Ben Shelton in five sets.
He now faces 8th seed Holger Rune in the quarterfinals as he seeks his 8th Wimbledon crown, equalling Roger Federer’s record.
Why Fans Love Their Mutual Respect
Sports psychologist Dr. Ananya Mehta explains:
“When athletes of such stature acknowledge each other, it reinforces values of humility, cross-sport learning, and universal sporting excellence. For young fans, it’s a masterclass in attitude and mutual growth.”
Global Media Headlines
- BBC Sport: “Djokovic’s Gladiator Reply To Kohli Melts Internet.”
- ESPN: “When Cricket’s King Called Tennis’ GOAT A Gladiator.”
- Times Now: “Virat Kohli Calls Djokovic Gladiator, Nole’s Four Words Break The Internet.”
Conclusion
In a world often divided by sports rivalries, the Djokovic-Kohli exchange proves that greatness transcends disciplines. While Kohli continues to dominate world cricket as India’s batting mainstay and senior statesman, Djokovic remains the ultimate gladiator on tennis courts, rewriting age-related limitations with each match.
Their mutual admiration reinforces that sportsmanship, humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence are universal languages understood by every athlete and fan alike.
Disclaimer: This news content is for informational reporting purposes only. Readers are advised to follow official player social media handles for verified updates on interactions, tournaments, and training insights.
