Melbourne (AFP)
"He was my mentor": in tears, Novak Djokovic paid tribute to Kobe Bryant, the legendary basketball player who died in a helicopter accident on Tuesday on the court of the Rod Laver Arena where he had just qualified for the semifinals of the Australian Open.
"He was one of the best athletes of all time. He inspired me and a lot of other people around the world," said Djokovic, who wore the initials K and B on his tracksuit jacket, as well as the numbers 8 and 24 that Bryant had worn with the Lakers, and a little pink heart.
"I have been fortunate to have had a personal relationship with him for the past ten years. When I needed advice or support, he was there for me," said the Djoker.
"He was my mentor, my friend and my heart broke when he learned what had happened to him and his daughter," concluded the Serbian before stopping dramatically, suffocated by emotion.
In addition to the Serbian, several players participating in the Australian Open have paid tribute to Kobe Bryant, including Rafael Nadal, Nick Kyrgios, Gaël Monfils, or Coco Gauff and his double partner Caty McNally.
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