When Djokovic won his 23rd men’s singles victory at Roland Garros in Paris in 2023, he was on course to break the existing tennis record.
However, the late-thirties Serbian celebrity was also enduring physical discomfort from the intense Parisian heat. In order to force his way through a championship contest against Casper Ruud—which came after a hard-fought fight with Carlos Alcaraz that boxing icon Mike Tyson witnessed—Djokovic used a “Mamba mentality.” “The Mamba Way of Thinking. Kobe Bryant “Said Djokovic. “You anticipate what will happen before it does.”
Bryant was previously inspired by Michael Jordan, whose super-competitiveness on the way to a 6-0 record in the NBA Finals has become legendary.
But the former Los Angeles Lakers legend was also well known for his own MJ-like intensity, which played off his “Black Mamba” nickname.
“Mamba Mentality: How I Play” is an autobiographical book from Bryant and featured personal insights into his life and basketball career.
“Pain doesn’t tell you when you ought to stop,” Bryant said. “Pain is the little voice in your head that tries to hold you back because it knows if you continue you will change.”
Djokovic was in fine form in the 2023 French Open final, dominating Rudd 7–6 (7–1), 6–3 and 7–5 in straight sets on the famous clay court.
“Obviously a Grand Slam is a Grand Slam,” Djokovic said. “The four biggest tournaments that we have in our sport.
“Every single player dreams of being on this stage and winning the trophy at least once in their career.
“I’m beyond fortunate in my life to win 23 times, it’s an incredible feeling.”
Djokovic eclipsed Rafael Nadal as the oldest Roland Garros champion and became the first man to win all four Grand Slam events at least three times.
“Another day, another record for you,” Ruud said. “And another day you rewrite tennis history. It’s tough to explain how incredible it is and how good you are, and what an inspiration you are to so many people around the world.
“Congratulations to you and your team. I know this tastes probably the best. … I’m happy I’m the first one to congratulate you here, from this stage.”
Bryant won five NBA titles and was selected to 18 All-Star teams. Following a helicopter collision in California in 2020, the Hall of Famer passed away at the age of 41. In 2024, Djokovic is scheduled to return to the French Open.
He’s ranked No. 1 on the ATP Tour.
The sport returns to Roland Garros with qualifying this week and first-round play starting on Sunday.
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