Serbia’s greatest athletes ran into each other recently at an NBA Game with Novak Djokovic in attendance to watch Nikola Jokic on Saturday night in Los Angeles.

Djokovic was returning the favour with Jokic having attended many of his matches.

A big fan of basketball, Djokovic has also been to many NBA games in the past and this isn’t the first time he has seen the Serbian icon Jokic perform.

As Serbia’s most prominent athletes Djokovic and Jokic have a lot in common.

It was a good night for Jokic too, as he netted 35 points for the Denver Nuggets in a 124-114 victory over the LA Lakers.

Djokovic was on hand to witness a piece of NBA history as well with LeBron James becoming the first NBA player to reach 40,000 career regular-season points during the game.

However, the world No 1 had a clear verdict when it comes to who the best basketball player in the world right now is.

Djokovic was in awe of compatriot Jokic after getting an up-close view of him in his pomp.

“I don’t think anyone can do what he is doing at the moment. Definitely the best basketball player in the world. I cheer for him greatly. He’s an amazing guy and the pride of Serbia,” Djokovic said.

When Jokic came over to Djokovic after the game to greet him the world No 1’s eyes lit up and he stopped an interview to give him a hug.

Jokic was just as thrilled to see Djokovic in his domain and revealed that he looked up to the 24-time Grand Slam winner.

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“There are no words to describe it. He’s the master of his craft and probably one of the greatest ever,” Nikola Jokic said. “He is the guy who represents Serbia in a much bigger scene.

The 29-year-old stressed that the 24-time Grand Slam winner is someone he wishes to emulate and who acts as an idol for the young people in Serbia.

Jokic also gave the World No 1 credit for the significant work his organisation is carrying out for Serbian youngsters.

“He is a Serbian ambassador,” Jokic declared

“He’s really an idol to the kids in Serbia and not just on the court, but in the things his foundation is doing.

“He is the guy you can look up to, I want to be like him.

“He’s doing something great for kids, for Serbia, for everything. We cannot be compared,” he added.