MIAMI − By late Monday night, Serbia could have the French Open champion and an NBA champion.
Novak Djokovic will play for the French Open tennis title against Casper Ruud on Sunday, and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic could win his first NBA title in Game 5 of the Finals against Miami on Monday.
On Friday, Djokovic won his semifinal match in four sets against Carlos Alcaraz, and later in the day, Jokic and the Nuggets took a 3-1 series lead with a 108-95 victory over the Heat.
Following Denver’s win, Jokic acknowledged he received a text from Djokovic who can pass Rafael Nadal as the all-time leader in men’s majors victories with 23.
“Actually he texted me, for real. Yes, he texted me,” Jokic said. “For real. He didn’t lie. Yes, he’s amazing, of course, in his sport and he’s making history every time. Probably he’s going to go as one of the best ever, if not the best ever. He has a nice opportunity to win another one.
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“He’s just an amazing sport and having him as a countryman that he represents us in the world, I think it’s a great honor, and I think the people of Serbia are really happy that we have him as our countryman.”
Before the NBA Finals began, Djokovic told Fanduel, “I don’t think anyone can do what he’s doing at the moment. He’s definitely the best basketball player in the world, and I cheer for him greatly. He’s an amazing guy, he’s the pride of Serbia, and we’re so proud of him. We hope that he can win his first ring.”
Atlanta Hawks guard and fellow Serbian Bogdan Bogdanovic attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals. “Since year one, whoever was kind of speaking my language or I’m trying to kind of stay in touch or whatever, some guys maybe a little bit more, some guys a little bit less,” Jokic said. “But I’m trying to stay in touch with everybody.”
Serbia will play in the FIBA World Cup later this summer, but Jokic has not committed to joining the roster. Even if Jokic doesn’t play, Serbia should field an experience team that could medal.
