Virat KohliNovak Djokovic; Laureus World Sports Awards

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has called Virat Kohli his cricket hero. During the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, Djokovic revealed that his interest in cricket started because of Kohli.

He said, ‘Yes, Virat is a friend and someone I respect. Honestly, he is the reason why I started following cricket. Earlier I did not follow cricket, but because of Kohli I started watching it. We keep in touch. Hopefully he will join me when I come to India. We will play some cricket and some tennis, have fun and spread positive energy while celebrating the game.

Novak Djokovic during the Laureus World Sports Awards.

I will come to India soon Regarding coming to India, Djokovic said, my message has always been that I appreciate, respect and love the support I get from Indian fans and fans around the world. I will come to India soon because I want to go there. For the last few years I have been feeling that I have to travel to India.

He further said, I really hope to come to India for an event and play a match or something. I have this desire because I feel close to the Indian people.

Alcaraz-Sabalenka Best Players 22 year old Carlos Alcaraz received the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award. After this award, he said that this honor is special for him because he has now joined the list of greats like Lionel Messi, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

In the women’s category, Arina Sabalenka received the Sportswoman of the Year award. He said that it is not just a victory but also an honor for hard work and battling pressure.

Alcaraz received the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.

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