Nick Kyrgios said he was inspired by memories of Kobe Bryant as tennis stars at the Australian Open paid tribute to the basketball great following his death.
Bryant took up tennis following his retirement and was friends with a number of leading players.
He was at the US Open last summer and sat in Naomi Osaka’s box for one of her matches.
Our deepest sympathies to the family, loved ones and friends of @kobebryant and his daughter Gianna, as well as the entire @Lakers organization and fan base. Kobe was an incredible person whose support and appreciation for women’s sports and athletes will be missed.
— WTA (@WTA) January 27, 2020
Kyrgios looked close to tears as he walked out for his fourth-round clash with Rafael Nadal wearing a Los Angeles Lakers jersey bearing Bryant’s original number eight.
The Australian said: “I never met Kobe. But basketball is practically my life. I watch it every day. I’ve been following it for as long as I can remember.
“When I woke up to the news, it was pretty emotional. It was pretty heavy all day.
Here’s Kyrgios still wearing the vest. Hard to tell whether the tragedy will inspire or negatively affect him. pic.twitter.com/kJhgB41CdC
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) January 27, 2020
Kyrgios lost in four close sets, recovering from a break down in the fourth to force a tie-break.
The 24-year-old said: “If you look at the things he stood for, what he wanted to be remembered by, I felt like, if anything, it helped me tonight.
“When I was down a break in the fourth, I was definitely thinking about it. I fought back.”
I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsman in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 27, 2020
The world number one said: “He (Gasol) always told me he is a spirit of hard work, he always wanted to increase his level. He is a true inspiration for the world of sport and for a lot of kids.
“This is one of those days you want to forget but of course Kobe Bryant will be in our hearts and in our minds for the rest of our lives.”
Writing on Instagram on Monday after learning of the deaths of Bryant and his daughter Gianna, the world number two said: “My heart truly mourns over the news today.
“Kobe was a great mentor and friend. There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathies to the Bryants and every family suffering from this tragedy.”
“Thank you for the greatest legacy you leave behind with us. I’ll never forget your smile spreading positive energy everywhere you went. You and your daughter will live forever in our hearts.”
Djokovic had spoken about his friendship with Bryant in an interview on ESPN only a few days ago, describing how the five-time NBA champion had helped him when he was going through a difficult patch in his life and career.
Djokovic said: “He was one of the people that was really there for me and could give me some very valuable advice and guidelines to believe and trust in myself.
“I love Kobe – who doesn’t? He’s an amazing guy and one of the best basketball players and athletes of all time.”
Osaka wrote an emotional Twitter post with the caption “I can’t”.
Beginning “Dear Big bro”, Osaka said: “I don’t really know what to do so I’m writing you this letter. Thank you for being you. Thank you for inspiring people everywhere, you have no idea how many hearts you’ve touched.
“Thank you for being so humble and not acting as big as you are. Thank you for caring and checking up on me after my hard losses. Thank you for randomly texting me ‘You OK?’, cause you know how f***** up my head is sometimes.
Maria Sharapova was another player who said Bryant had helped her through tough times.
She wrote on Twitter: “Kobe and Gigi. This is incredibly difficult to process. I will never forget your generosity, and the time you set aside in some of my most difficult moments. I am forever grateful. My heart is with you and your beautiful family.”
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) January 27, 2020
A montage of Bryant in action was played on the big screen in Rod Laver Arena ahead of Kyrgios’ clash with Nadal.
