Djokovic says Bryant ‘inspired the entire world’ as tennis stars pay respects

Tennis stars at the Australian Open have paid tribute to Kobe Bryant following his death in a helicopter crash.

Bryant took up the sport following his retirement from basketball 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.

He also wrote a children’s book about tennis released last year called Legacy and the Queen.

Writing on Instagram on Monday after learning of the death 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 LA Lakers star 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’m very grateful to him for being there for me, for being very supportive. 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***ed 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.”

In a post on Instagram stories, Andy Murray wrote: “This has hit me hard. Thinking of all his family, friends and colleagues.”