Tennis player Novak Djokovic, a legend in his own right, decided to celebrate his 24th Grand Slam win with a splash of purple and gold to honor his close friend.

After winning the U.S. Open over the weekend, the Serbian superstar detailed how he planned to commemorate the accomplishment with a poignant tribute to his late buddy and Laker hero Kobe Bryant.

It’s not difficult to make the connection between the amount of medals in Djokovic’s locker and the matching numerals on Bryant’s back in the final stages of his career, as he donned the jersey after his 24th overall major title.

Bryant, who won five NBA championships and two Finals MVPs, reached similar heights in his own sport, following in the footsteps of his idol, Michael Jordan.

Though the Laker shooting guard was unable to live up to the title of best of all time, he came close with his incredible Hall of Fame resume and having both of his numbers, 24, and 8, retired for the purple and gold.

Taking lessons from the late Bryant, Djokovic’s comeback has been a victory, akin to Bryant’s own comeback from repeated injuries in the later years of his career.

Taking inspiration from the Laker icon, the Serbian superstar isn’t the only one who has been praised and challenged by the former Laker great.

In his own sport, Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed similar emotions to Djokovic after winning the 2021 NBA championship with Milwaukee, referencing the late Bryant’s challenge to win both an MVP and the Finals.

Everyone, athlete or not, can learn from his famous work ethic and drive to be great. He is an icon in every meaning of the word.