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The 36-year-old Serbian wore a ‘Mamba Forever’ shirt with an image of him next to Bryant during the trophy presentation. The T-shirt’s back had 24 written on it, indicating the jersey number worn by the Los Angeles Lakers icon during his NBA career.
Djokovic said Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash three years ago, had helped him through some of the most challenging times of his career.
03:16
US Open: Novak Djokovic beats Medvedev in straight sets in final, wins his 24th Grand Slam title
“I didn’t share it with anybody. Kobe was a close friend of mine, we chatted a lot, about the winner’s mentality. When I was struggling with injury and trying to work my way back to the top of the game, he was one of the people I relied on the most. He was always there for support in the most friendly way,” Djokovic said.
“His passing hurt me deeply and 24 is the jersey he wore at Lakers so I thought it would be nice symbolic thing to acknowledge him,” he added.
Djokovic beat Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to clinch his fourth US Open crown.
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