In a captivating conversation on KG CERTIFIED, former NBA superstar Kevin Garnett sat down with a 13-year NBA veteran. While basketball was the central theme of their careers, the two delved into a different arena. The conversation eventually led to the father of KG’s guest; a tennis legend with an exceptional legacy. However, while talking about the 2-time NCAA champion’s father, the former hoopers reminded their fans of the 63-year-old tennis icon and his accomplishments.

Let’s dive in as these fierce rivals sit together and have a conversation transcending sporting boundaries.

Kevin Garnett brings a glimpse into a remarkable journey

On a recent episode, the Boston Celtics legend had Joakim Noah, the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year in conversation. They talked about a lot of different things, reflecting back on time. Both players are former DPOYs so they share common ground. Eventually though, they discussed Joakim’s father.

The former World No.3 in tennis, Yannick Noah, is the last Frenchman to win the French Open. He won it in 1983, a vastly different time.

Trending

Madrid Open 2024: Coco Gauff vs Madison Keys; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

April 29, 2024 07:03 AM EDT

Coco Gauff Drops Adorable Wish to Celebrate Boyfriend’s Birthday Amid Hectic Madrid Open Stint

April 27, 2024 03:00 PM EDT

‘Why Are You So Stressed Out?’- Roger Federer’s Wife Mirka Turned Huge Inspiration for Zendaya’s ‘Challengers’, Confesses Script-Writer

April 28, 2024 03:49 PM EDT

Madrid Open 2024: Jakub Mensik vs Felix Auger-Aliassime; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

April 29, 2024 08:50 AM EDT

Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal Loses Cool at Chair Umpire Fergus Murphy in Heated Scenes After Getting Robbed Off a Challenge

April 27, 2024 04:30 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

As Joakim  fondly reflected on his father’s influence, he painted a vivid picture of Yannick Noah’s competitive spirit.

In fact, Yannick’s tennis journey wasn’t just about excelling in a sport; it was a testament to his determination and resilience. The former Chicago Bulls big said, “You know he was uh playing in a white sport. You know he was the only black guy, and uh, today, this year, is his 40 years since he won the French Open.”

KG shared a glimpse on his Instagram story with a clip from the show.

Playing tennis as a Franco-Cameroonian athlete in a predominantly white sport presented its own set of challenges.

Yannick emerged as a trailblazer, becoming the only black player in a white-dominated field. The fact that this year marks the 40th anniversary of his French Open victory underscores the magnitude of his feat.

With 23 singles and 16 doubles titles, Yannick surely emerged as one of the true greats in the sport.

The crossroads of tennis and basketball

While they were talking about tennis, Kevin Garnett also touched upon Jo going for basketball rather than tennis.

Watch This Story: “Embarrassing”: Sports World Demolishes $100,000,000 Warriors’ Star Draymond Green for Wrongly Slandering Celtics Legend Kevin Garnett

Furthermore, while chatting about Yannick Noah’s legacy, the duo shared lighthearted banter about their own tennis talent. Joakim’s candid confession about not being a tennis ace didn’t deter KG’s playful competitiveness. Jokes about tennis skills and challenging each other on the court added a personal touch to the conversation. Well, The Big Ticket always shares some amazing stuff with his fans on his social media.

The interesting discussion on KG Certified showed a part of Joakim’s life that goes beyond basketball. Through reminiscing about Yannick Noah’s extraordinary tennis career, the discussion underscored the values of perseverance and dedication that athletes like Yannick embody.

20YO Old Resurfaced Clip by Kevin Garnett Triggers Embarrassing Memories of Paul Pierce and Lakers Legend’s Blunder