Wimbledon Meets Cricket: A Legendary Evening at Centre Court
In an evening that will be remembered not just for its tennis but also for its sheer star power, Wimbledon 2025 witnessed a rare convergence of sporting royalty. Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis maestro eyeing his 25th Grand Slam title, was cheered on by none other than Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli and Bollywood icon Anushka Sharma during his Round of 16 match against Alex de Minaur.
The presence of the Indian power couple electrified Centre Court, with cameras frequently cutting to their box as Djokovic delivered a masterclass in tennis. It wasn’t just a photo opportunity—it was a moment of genuine camaraderie between two of the world’s most celebrated athletes.
From Texts to Wimbledon: Kohli and Djokovic’s Evolving Friendship
Following his convincing win over de Minaur, Djokovic opened up about his long-standing admiration for Kohli. “Virat and I have been texting a little bit for a few years,” Djokovic revealed. “We never got the chance to meet in person, but it was really a privilege and an honour to listen to him speak nicely about me.”
What began as a casual exchange of messages between two sports icons has now evolved into a public friendship. Djokovic, ever gracious, acknowledged Kohli’s legendary career:
“I obviously admire all of his career and achievements and everything he has done.”
Kohli’s Legacy in Cricket: A Career of Glory and Global Admiration
Virat Kohli, who recently retired from Test cricket, remains a towering figure in world cricket. With 9,230 runs in 123 Test matches, he stands as India’s fourth-highest Test run-scorer, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Kohli’s glittering resume includes victories in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2025 Champions Trophy, reinforcing his status as one of India’s all-time greats. Despite his Test retirement, he continues to play an active role in India’s ODI and T20I teams, where his consistency, fitness, and leadership continue to inspire a generation.
The Star Couple: Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli Steal the Show
Joining Kohli in the royal box was his wife Anushka Sharma, celebrated Bollywood actress and producer. The couple’s surprise appearance added a layer of glamour to an already high-profile match. Social media exploded with admiration as fans shared clips and photos, marking the moment as one where sports, cinema, and culture beautifully collided on Centre Court.
Kohli later took to Instagram Stories to post a heartfelt message for Djokovic, further fueling fan excitement around their growing bond.
Djokovic’s Foray into Cricket: From BBL Matches to Charity Events
Djokovic has long shown a keen interest in cricket. In January 2025, he was seen attending a Big Bash League (BBL) match in Melbourne, visibly captivated by the sport’s energy and unpredictability. He was especially impressed during a high-flying catch by Kane Richardson, which dismissed Marcus Stoinis in dramatic fashion at Docklands Stadium.
But Djokovic’s cricket journey doesn’t stop at spectating. In 2024, during the ‘Novak and Friends’ charity event at Rod Laver Arena, he switched roles with Australian cricket star Steve Smith. Djokovic bowled a few deliveries and even picked up a bat, sending two balls flying into the stands—much to the crowd’s delight. The moment became a social media sensation, showing that Djokovic’s love for cricket is as real as it is entertaining.
Djokovic: “I Need to Work on My Cricket Skills Before Visiting India”
Speaking after his win at Wimbledon, Djokovic joked about his cricket ambitions:
“I started to play cricket. I’m not very good at it, but obviously, cricket is a very big sport in Australia and of course, India. I’ll have a task to perfect my cricket skills before I get to India so I don’t embarrass myself.”
This candid admission further endeared him to Indian fans, who have long admired his dedication, humility, and passion for sport beyond tennis.
A Global Sports Friendship for the Ages
In an era where athletes often cross paths at global events, the Djokovic-Kohli friendship stands out for its sincerity and mutual admiration. Both are icons in their respective disciplines, and their public display of friendship at Wimbledon sends a message that sports transcend boundaries—be it cultural, national, or professional.
Kohli’s presence at Wimbledon and Djokovic’s enthusiasm for cricket point toward a deepening relationship between the world’s two most beloved sports—tennis and cricket. With Djokovic expressing a desire to visit India and improve his cricket skills, fans worldwide are already dreaming of a Kohli-Djokovic cricket face-off, perhaps in an exhibition match or charity event.
The Cultural Impact: When Sports Icons Connect
This story is more than just a celebrity sighting. It’s about cultural crossover, mutual admiration, and the universal language of sport. Djokovic’s sincere praise of Kohli’s achievements and his engagement with cricket reflects the increasing globalization of athletic influence. It also highlights how India’s soft power in sport and cinema continues to captivate global audiences.
Kohli, meanwhile, continues to show why he is not just a cricketing icon but also a global ambassador for India, seamlessly moving between dressing rooms and diplomatic boxes, inspiring fans across disciplines.