Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Novak Djokovic has expressed his desire to visit India in the near future, saying he feels a strong connection with fans in the country and hopes to spend time there soon.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion thanked Indian supporters for their backing over the years, highlighting their presence both at tournaments and across the world.
“My message is always love, respect, appreciation, first of all, for all the support over the years that I’ve personally been receiving from all the Indian tennis fans and Indian sports fans around the world,” Djokovic told Times Now in an interview on the sidelines of the Laureus Sports Awards in Madrid.
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He added that he has long felt a ‘calling’ to visit India and is keen to engage with fans more closely.
“My message would also be: see you very soon in India, because I need to go to India. I’ve been feeling a calling to come for the last couple of years,” he said, adding that he hopes to organise an event or even play a match during the visit.
DJOKOVIC EYES INDIA VISIT
Djokovic said he is hopeful of making the trip in the near future, although he acknowledged the uncertainties at this stage of his career.
“I really hope that I’ll be able to come to India and do an event, play a match or whatever it is. I really wish for that because I feel very close to Indian people,” he said.
The Serbian great added that while timelines for his India visit remain uncertain, the intention to travel is firm, with scheduling likely to depend on his playing commitments.
Djokovic also looked ahead to the Olympic cycle, acknowledging the challenges at this stage of his career.
“I am looking forward to it. I think it’s a very long way, two years, for me at this stage of my career and life, but you never know,” he said.
He added that representing Serbia at the Olympics remains a key goal going forward.
THE VIRAT KOHLI CONNECTION
Djokovic also spoke about his relationship with Virat Kohli, revealing that the former India captain played a role in introducing him to cricket.
“Yes, Virat is a friend and someone I, of course, respect and admire. He is actually, to be honest, the reason why I started following cricket,” he said.
He added that the two have stayed in touch and could share a light-hearted sporting moment if his visit materialises. “When I come to India, hopefully he can join, and then we could do a little bit of tennis, a little bit of cricket, and have fun and just spread positive, good vibes with people and celebrate sport,” Djokovic said.
The prospect of a crossover between tennis and cricket involving two of the biggest names in global sport has already generated excitement among fans. While no formal plans have been announced, Djokovic’s comments suggest that such an interaction could be part of his long-awaited India visit.
– Ends
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
