Who Matteo Berrettini once said was more like LeBron James out of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Tennis and basketball are two sports that have always been intrinsically linked, with that relationship having only grown in recent years.

After all, there is a clear mutual respect between the great champions of each sport, with Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Roger Federer and more bridging the gap with the likes of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

However, this has led many to theorise that, were these players to trade sports, who they would most resemble.

Matteo Berrettini sought to put this debate to rest nearly five years ago.

Matteo Berrettini compares tennis’ Big Three to basketball legends

Speaking to La Stampa back in 2021, Berrettini further solidified this union between tennis and basketball by drawing comparisons between the sports’ greatest-ever players.

Using the Big Three of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as his examples, he offered a basketball counterpart for each.

The Italian began by claiming: “The LeBron James of tennis? Nadal, in terms of physicality and why they both exploded [onto the scene] very young.”

He then added: “I would compare Federer to Michael Jordan. Djokovic reminds me of Kobe Bryant, for how he remains cold in difficult situations.”

Novak Djokovic on his relationship with Kobe Bryant

Djokovic will have been delighted to see his comparison, given the close friendship he shared with Kobe before his untimely passing in 2020.

He has since spoken at length about all he learned from the American basketball legend, and after winning his 24th Grand Slam title, paid tribute to him with a t-shirt that read: “Mamba Forever.”

The Serbian then spoke glowingly about his good friend in his championship speech: “I thought of doing this T-shirt eventually if I got the chance to win the tournament. It was about seven days ago. I didn’t share it with anyone until a few days ago, when I asked my people to help me out to make this shirt.

“Kobe was a close, close friend. We chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality when I was struggling with an injury and trying to make my comeback, work my way back to the top of the game.

“He was always there for any kind of counsel, advice, any kind of support in the most friendly way.

“So, of course, what happened a few years ago, him and his daughter passing, hurt me deeply and I thought 24 is the jersey that he wore when he became a legend of the Lakers and world basketball. So I thought it could be a nice symbolic thing to acknowledge him.”