It’s a rare convergence of football and tennis, a unique spectacle that unfolded on the night of the highly prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award. The tennis titan Novak Djokovic was honored with the award for a record-equaling fifth time. In a fitting tribute, the duty of presenting this esteemed accolade was entrusted to the NFL GOAT, Tom Brady. 

Later, the TB12 shared a picture of the two from the special night on his Instagram story and ended the caption with what Djokovic does the best, “Keep inspiring us all.” This was not the first time their bond had been captured on a public platform; a few months back, there was a playful banter exchange between them.

Brady’s shoutout for Djokovic

According to the sources, Djokovic pulled out of this week’s Madrid Open tennis event and flew to the Spanish capital with his wife to collect the award. To his surprise, he found the seven-time NFL Super Bowl champion, Brady, on the stage, who did the honors to award him. This was not the end, as fans got to witness more of Brady-Djokovic moment hours after the event drew curtains. Sharing the picture of the two smiling on stage, Brady captured the emotion by saying, “Congratulations on a well-deserved achievement @djokernole And unmatched 2023, to go along with an unmatched career. Keep inspiring us all.” 

It was a special evening for Djokovic as he first won the award in 2012 when he was only 24 years old. He then shared how the Laureas Awards have always been special for him because they represent recognition from the 69 world-class athletes. On top of that, he received the award from the NFL legend, whom he always looks up to. 

Djovokic looks up to Brady as a source of inspiration

The shoutout game between Brady and Djokovic goes both ways. Earlier, in March, when the TB12 broke his records at the 40-meter dash, his talents, even after retirement, seemed to have a profound impact on the tennis star. Taking inspiration from Brady, he tried his chance at football. As Djokovic threw a deep pass that the receiver missed, he shared the clip on his Instagram story with the caption, “Inspired by @tombrady. QB is good; will teach WR some things, haha.”  

To this, Brady came up with a grand slam in return, as he replied with a three-word message for Djokovic, “Practice makes perfect @djokernole.” This was one time from multiple occasions that Brady-Djokovic’s close bond came into play. Earlier in an exhibition in Saudi Arabia, the tennis giant shared kind words about the NFL GOAT, “Tom Brady is a great example of a champion in his sport and someone that has had such a great career and longevity.”

Djokovic looks up to Brady as a source of inspiration that would propel him to excel in his career till he turns 40 and beyond, just like the quarterback legend. At 36 years old, the tennis star openly acknowledges 46-year-old Brady’s enthusiasm, and it has been an honor to receive the award from someone he looks up to, along with the heartfelt shoutout.