London: Former India cricket captain Virat Kohli turned heads at Wimbledon 2025 this week, attending the iconic tournament alongside wife and actress Anushka Sharma. The celebrity couple’s appearance during Novak Djokovic’s Round of 16 match created a stir both at Centre Court and across social media, marking their return to the All England Club after nearly a decade.
Dressed in classic formal attire, Kohli and Anushka were spotted in the Royal Box as they watched Novak Djokovic pull off a thrilling comeback victory over Australian Alex de Minaur. Kohli later posted a heartfelt Instagram story, hailing Djokovic as a “gladiator” for his gritty performance.
“Watching greatness from the Royal Box. What a gladiator!” Kohli wrote, tagging Djokovic in the post alongside a photo from Centre Court.
VIRAT KOHLI BACKS NOVAK DJOKOVIC TO WIN THE WIMBLEDON. 🎾 pic.twitter.com/HhaWejvviD
— Virat Kohli Fan 👍❤️ (@I_am_Unkar_006) July 8, 2025
The story quickly went viral, drawing a warm and personal response from Djokovic himself. The 24-time Grand Slam champion reshared Kohli’s story and wrote:
“Thank you for supporting, brother. Always a pleasure to see legends from other sports appreciate the grind. Let’s catch up soon!”
The friendly exchange lit up social media, with fans across cricket and tennis celebrating the mutual admiration between two of the most competitive athletes of their generation.
In a conversation with Indian tennis veteran Vijay Amritraj on the sidelines, Kohli revealed his deep admiration for professional tennis players and the pressure they face. “The only match that comes close to this intensity is an India vs Pakistan World Cup game,” he said, comparing the mental demands of Centre Court with the high-stakes drama of subcontinental cricket rivalries.
His remarks sparked widespread discussion, with fans and pundits lauding Kohli’s sportsmanship and respect for athletes beyond cricket. However, not all reactions were positive. Some Indian cricket fans expressed frustration over Kohli’s prolonged absence from the national team setup, particularly during the current England tour. “Reconsider your decision and come back,” one fan’s viral post read, capturing the sentiment of many who still hope for his return to Test cricket.
Kohli’s outing also brought a nostalgic twist to the tournament. Fans circulated then-and-now pictures of the couple’s previous Wimbledon appearance nearly ten years ago, with many dubbing it a “10-year challenge.” Their presence added glamour and crossover appeal to Wimbledon’s growing connection with Indian sports fans.
Beyond the style and public attention, the moment underscored a broader trend: top athletes recognizing the psychological and emotional challenges across sporting disciplines. Kohli’s openness about the tension at Wimbledon—and Djokovic’s gracious reply—highlight the mutual respect shared across professional sport.
As Wimbledon heads into its final stretch, Kohli’s presence has left a lasting impression—not with a bat, but through cross-sport admiration and a widely appreciated show of respect.
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