Australian Open 2020 news - Novak Djokovic: Kobe Bryant was my mentor, my friend and always there

ByEurosport

Updated 28/01/2020 at 13:53 GMT

Novak Djokovic paid an emotional tribute to Kobe Bryant before and after his Australian Open quarter-final win against Milos Raonic.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia tears up as he talks about Kobe Bryant after winning his Men's Singles Quarterfinals match against Milos Raonic of Canada

Image credit: Getty Images

Bryant, one of the NBA's all-time greatest players and an athlete of global renown, was killed at age 41 on Sunday in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles along with his 13-year-old daughter and seven others on board.

And Djokovic, who paid a moving tribute to Bryant on Instagram on Monday, came onto court for his quarter-final against Raonic wearing a training top with KB, and 8 and 24, Bryant’s numbers, written on it.

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After the match he told John McEnroe that Bryant was a source of inspiration, who had provided continued counsel during their 10-year friendship.

Djokovic chokes up as he pays tribute to 'mentor and friend' Kobe

“I don’t know what we can say, you know? It really caught us by surprise; he was one of the greatest athletes of all time," said a tearful Djokovic after he secured a semi-final showdown with Roger Federer.

“He inspired myself and many, many other people around the world.

I had the fortune to have a personal relationship with him over the last 10 years and when I needed some advice and support he was there for me.

“He was my mentor, my friend and it is just heart-breaking to see and hear what has happened to him and his daughter.”

Djokovic follows Nick Kyrgios, Rafa Nadal, Coco Gauff and the Bryan brothers amongst others in paying an on-court tribute to the basketball superstar.