Novak Djokovic says he hopes to meet Virat Kohli face to face for the first time when he visits India. Speaking before the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, the 24-time Grand Slam champion said he would like to share both a tennis court and a cricket field with the former India captain.
A friendship by text
Djokovic said the pair have not met but have exchanged messages for several years, following and supporting each other. He said he truly admires Kohli’s career and is planning to come to India soon, so that may be where they finally meet.
The respect is mutual. Earlier this year Djokovic said Kohli was the reason he began following cricket, a sport he had barely watched before. He described Kohli as a friend he deeply respects and admires.
Wimbledon ambitions
Djokovic’s attention now turns to Wimbledon, where he is chasing history. A men’s singles title would be his eighth at the All England Club, equalling Roger Federer’s record. It would also give him a record 25th Grand Slam singles crown, moving him past Margaret Court’s all-time mark.
Kohli’s next assignment
Kohli is preparing to return to international action after helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru win a second successive IPL title in 2026. Having retired from Tests and T20Is, he now plays only ODIs for India. His next series is a three-match ODI contest against England, starting on July 14.
