Today is one of the toughest days in the world of sport, as this time last year, the basketball great Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna lost their lives in a tragic helicopter accident. But his legacy will continue forever, and Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, and other tennis players paid their tribute to him.

The LA Laker’s shooting guard and 5-time NBA champion, Kobe, was and will always be regarded as one of the greatest athletes. But more than that, his spirit of sportsmanship and his compassionate heart are what most people remember him for.

Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, pay tribute to Kobe Bryant

The 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams shared Kobe’s iconic quote on Instagram. Along with it, she also uploaded a beautiful portrait of the father and her daughter. She said, “Your legacy continues to inspire. We remember this always.”

Even though the ‘Black Mamba’ was a basketball player, he touched lives throughout the globe. Kobe also had great connections with the tennis fraternity, he often attended tennis matches too.

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One of his good friends, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, also shared a picture with him on Instagram. Novak had even broken down in front of the Australian crowd last year on hearing the news. Remembering him today, Djokovic wrote, “Forever Mamba. I love you, my friend.”

For the Japanese best and World No. 3 Naomi Osaka, Kobe had been a constant drive of inspiration. She has promised to deliver on his belief in her. Today, she shared an emotional letter that one of Gianna’s best friend wrote to Kobe.

Nick Kyrgios, Victoria Azarenka, Serena’s coach, and others celebrate Kobe

The Australian-born Nick Kyrgios is a basketball fan at heart, and that heart wholly belonged to the legend of the sport, Kobe Bryant. In an attempt to repaint the American’s efficacy, Nick shared an illustrated picture of Kobe in a leap for a dunk with a halo over his head.

The former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, Swiss player Belinda Bencic, American’s Frances Tiafoe, also showed their love for the basketball hero. The Belarusian uploaded a picture of Kobe and Gianna playing ball.

The young and upcoming American star, Tiafoe, shared a picture of Kobe and wrote, “Inspiration to all of us.”

The Ukrainian World No. 5 Elina Svitolina is also a forever fan of the Laker’s #24. Usually cheerful, the 26-year-old sent out teary eyes today.

Even Patrick Mouratoglou, coach of Serena Williams, wrote a brief message on Instagram. He even uploaded a father-daughter moment from Kobe and Gianna’s life, along with a picture of himself with the great. He wrote, “He was one of the greatest athletes of his time – one of the greatest to ever do it.”

Kobe Bryant was a true athlete and a great friend. His great success and ideology have a permanent home in the heart of every sport’s fan.

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