Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds the winner's trophy during the presentation after beating Switzerland's Roger Federer during their men's singles final on day thirteen of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 14, 2019. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds the winner's trophy during the presentation after beating Switzerland's Roger Federer during their men's singles final on day thirteen of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 14, 2019. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)
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CNN  — 

Novak Djokovic broke down in tears while reflecting on his friendship with Kobe Bryant at the Australian Open.

Speaking after his quarterfinal victory over Milos Raonic, Djokovic hailed Bryant, who died alongside his daughter and seven others in a helicopter crash Sunday, as “one of the greatest athletes of all time”.

“He inspired myself and many other people around the world,” the Serb said in Melbourne.

“I had the fortune to have a personal relationship with him over the last 10 years.

“When I needed some advice and some support he was there for me. He was my mentor, my friend. It’s heartbreaking to see and hear what has happened to him and his daughter.”

READ: Roger Federer saves seven match points to reach Australian Open semifinals

READ: The 24 moments that made Kobe Bryant a global superstar

Novak Djokovic cries as he pays tribute to Kobe Bryant at the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic cries as he pays tribute to Kobe Bryant at the Australian Open.
Hannah Peters/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images

Djokovic, the defending champion who next faces Roger Federer in the semifinals, also posted a heartfelt tribute to the NBA great on social media earlier this week.

He signed a TV camera lens with the names of Bryant of his 13-year-old daughter Gianna as he left the court.

Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios also paid tribute to Bryant during their fourth-round match Monday.

Kyrgios, a huge basketball fan, wore a Lakers jersey during his warmup and in the post-match press conference, while Nadal hailed him as “one of the greatest sportsmen in history.”