Serbians are proud when their two stars, Nikola Jokic and Novak Djokovic, continue to succeed. Djokovic surpassed Rafael Nadal as the male tennis player with the most Grand Slam championships in history. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA championship and was named Finals MVP of the series.

In an interview, Djokovic confessed that he is a big fan of NBA center forwards.

“I don’t think anyone can do what Jokic is doing right now,” Djokovic stated recently. “He is clearly the finest basketball player in the world, and I root for him. Jokic is a wonderful person, the pride of Serbia, and we are quite proud of him.”

Novak Djokovic Roots For Nikola Jokic And The Denver Nuggets I hope they win their first ring.

During the same time period, Jokic described Djokovic as a hero and “ambassador” of Serbia.

“Djokovic is someone who represents Serbia on a much bigger scale. “He is the ambassador of Serbia,” Jokic stated.

“Djokovic is an idol for children in Serbia, not only because of what he does on the field but also because of what his foundation does.”

“I want to be like Novak Djokovic.” He is doing wonderful things for the children, Serbia, and everyone. “We can’t compare.”

Novak Djokovic on X: “. Great to see @NBA superstars and friends last night, @Lakers @nuggets. https://t.co/Zj11iAgMWQ” / X

Djokovic also expressed his support for Jokic ahead of the final series against the Miami Heat.

The connection between Novak Djokovic and Nikola Jokic

Watch: Novak Djokovic Cheers on Nikola Jokic, Champion’s Support

Djokovic and Jokic were both born in Yugoslavia, before the country was separated due to political unrest. Djokovic is from Belgrade, and Jokic is from Sombor.

Both began playing the sport at a young age and rose to prominence; Djokovic turned professional in 2003 when he was 16. While Jokic was picked by the Denver Nuggets at the age of 19, in 2014.

“I hope he can win his first ring” – Novak Djokovic names Nikola Jokic as the ‘pride of Serbia’ | Basketball Network – Your daily dose of basketball

Djokovic told FanDuel that he acquired Jokic’s phone number in late May and intended to contact the Nuggets’ center. After game 5, Jokic cynically stated that his compatriot had not yet texted him to congratulate him.

The couple had met previously. Djokovic, a passionate basketball enthusiast, donned Jokic’s jersey in the 2021 French Open quarterfinals in Paris, following Jokic’s first NBA MVP title that season.

Novak Djokovic congratulates Nikola Jokic on his NBA MVP title and wears a Denver Nuggets jersey to practice | 

They also went to a basketball camp together in Belgrade in the summer of 2020, according to Insider.

Both are currently at the summit of their respective sports and while each has a large following in their own right, the mutual appreciation is certainly just as powerful.

From Jokic to Djokovic, from Joker to Joker: two number-one Serbs who love Italy.