While in the midst of a monologue concerning the Joker, the Djoker was interrupted by a touch on the shoulder.

Discuss the demon.

A beaming Novak Djokovic exclaimed to Nikola Jokic, who had drifted over to investigate the interview, “I am speaking of the legend.”

Front office personnel, players, and coaches of the Nuggets continued to circulate while Djokovic presided over the proceedings outside the visiting locker room. He was seated courtside during both LeBron James’ 40,000th point of his career and the Denver revival that thwarted the achievement. Almost every member of the team’s travelling party was anxious for Jokic to introduce them to the world’s number one tennis player following their 124-114 victory over the Lakers.

Once in Serbia, Djokovic recalled witnessing Jokic play. Additionally, Jokic was in Turkey at another time while representing the Serbian national team. But this was the first time Djokovic attended an NBA game in person to cheer for his friend. Jokic contributed seven assists, ten rebounds, and thirty-five points.

Thus, as he stated…

Djokovic continued, “What he has done for European basketball in general and Serbian basketball in particular is incredible,” after Jokic turned away. “Over the past three years, he has completely rewritten the annals of history, and he continues to do so.” His prime has arrived. He truly is the greatest. Our utmost pride is on him. I wholeheartedly support him in all that he undertakes. There have not been many athletes comparable to him throughout Serbia’s history, so he ranks among the best. Furthermore, he remains unfinished.”

Vlade Divac, a former NBA All-Star and member of Serbian sporting royalty, was Djokovic’s date. “However, what Nikola is doing is on an entirely different level,” Djokovic said in an exclusive interview with The Denver Post. Indeed, Jokic appears to be advancing towards a stratosphere in the annals of Serbian tennis history that has been inhabited exclusively by Novak Djokovic, the reigning 24-time Grand Slam champion who has occupied the top spot in the rankings for over 400 weeks.

Jokic stated, “Like a brilliant star to the majority of people back home.” “… Preferably, it will be years and decades before another individual of his calibre appears.”

“In my opinion, you have the greatest tennis player and the greatest basketball player in the world,” said Ogi Stojakovic, an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets and a former coach of the Serbian national team that won a silver medal at the FIBA World Cup last summer. “They provide reciprocal support.” It was quite remarkable. One may experience a sense of pride in being a small component, a tiny part of that.

Peyton Watson, a twenty-one-year-old wing for the Nuggets, desired a photograph with Jokic and Djokovic in order to convey the magnitude of the occasion. A group of security personnel and instructors from Denver posed for a photo with the duo and Divac. The daughters of Michael Malone “could not get over it” upon viewing the images on social media. The players entered and exited the locker room aimlessly. A postgame mini-reception ensued, with Djokovic occupying the focal point.

“It was amazing. “I recognise that this is a highly controversial subject, but you are arguably discussing the greatest tennis player of all time,” Malone stated. “Among the all-time finest athletes… And what truly impressed me upon approaching him to speak with him was his high level of engagement, extensive knowledge regarding our team, commendation for our efforts and style of play, and cognizance of the numerous occasions I have visited Serbia and the significance that each visit means to their nation, his nation. It therefore became a tremendous success.”

“No. 1 sport” in Serbia, according to Djokovic, is basketball. He is a basketball enthusiast who recalls Jokic as a fringe NBA candidate competing in the Serbian and Adriatic leagues a decade ago. Eventually, as Jokic’s prominence increased, mutual acquaintances introduced the two athletes. They encountered one another at multiple athletic competitions in Serbia. A reciprocal admiration between the two players grew to the point where Djokovic sent Jokic congratulatory texts throughout the Nuggets’ 2023 postseason run.

Djokovic stated, “We have always followed each other’s careers and held each other in high regard and admiration.” “In light of this, I believe that as time passes, our mutual appreciation for one another and our professional endeavours grows.” However, in our private conversations as well, I believe we align quite well. Like myself, he is a family-oriented individual. His ties to his family, country of origin, city, and origin are extremely strong. Additionally, it is evidently critical to never forget your origins. He is one of the most renowned athletes in the world and attained the pinnacle of one of the most significant sports. It is truly incredible that he is Serbian.”

Although Djokovic is originally from Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, he has a reasonable understanding of Jokic’s hometown of Sombor, a minor city in the northeastern region of the country. The 36-year-old recalled attending tennis tournaments in Sombor during his childhood. Djokovic further stated, “However, I have yet to visit (Jokic’s) residence,” as the summer months in Sombor, where Jokic resides, occur during the height of the Grand Slam season. When Djokovic has more free time, Jokic competes in 82 matches abroad for the United States.

The schedule for the Nuggets’ trip to Los Angeles, which took place days before the Indian Wells Open, ultimately coincided perfectly.

“As you are aware, I never received an invitation to one of his horse races.” Djokovic replied with a smile on his face. “With any luck…… Desiring the best. An extremely select group. An exclusive few individuals comprehend that.

As he awaits the invitation, he is filled with gratitude for having observed an apt demonstration of Denver’s impeccable lineage.

“Absolutely unbelievable. Djokovic remarked, “It is astounding how he improved his performance when it mattered the most.” “And the entire group. We are all cognizant of his prowess and potential, as well as the fact that he is capable of accumulating 50 points in each game. But he refrains from doing so because, ultimately, it is a collaborative endeavour. A team sport it is. Furthermore, they all collaborate with remarkable rapport. Their communication on the court demonstrates that they are an incredible team. Additionally, they are family. I absolutely adore that. Coming from an individual sport, it is undoubtedly different from this. It is truly remarkable to observe the manner in which they support and lift one another’s spirits through communication and relationship dynamics.

“Precisely within the last three minutes, they exploded to a 10-point advantage. Absolutely phenomenal. Incredible to see. As a result, they are NBA champions. “I sincerely hope they obtain another ring.”

Having already secured a berth for Serbia in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Djokovic is equally optimistic regarding the status of his nation’s basketball programme. The Old Palace balcony in Belgrade was the focal point of an enormous party that took place in the streets below during the previous summer. Novak Djokovic was rejoicing in his Wimbledon victory. Stojakovic was among the Serbian national team members who were jubilant over their silver medal victory. Collectively, they occupied the veranda. However, Stojakovic failed to make an introduction to Djokovic. He was contemplating the arduous experience that his acquaintance had had with fame.

Stojakovic explained, “I did not want to bother (Djokovic) because everyone was bothering him.” “I understand the challenges that you face when dealing with Nikola.”

In the end, Stojakovic and Djokovic exchanged handshakes in Los Angeles. Stojakovic mentioned the festivity, noting that a few months prior they had both occupied the same space.

“I look forward to our reunion this year on the balcony,” Djokovic replied.