An unlikely duo played some pitch and catch at UCLA on Thursday this week.
Bruins rising sophomore quarterback Justyn Martin threw around the pigskin with 24-time Grand Slam champion and tennis icon Novak Djokovic.
A video released by Djokovic on X shows him and Martin working out and spinning it at a UCLA facility. In addition, Djokovic worked on his serve at the Los Angeles Tennis Center. Djokovic greeted fans, signed balls, and took some selfies as well.
Ranked #1 in the world, Djokovic made the stop in Westwood ahead of the Indian Wells Open, played in Indian Wells, California on March 3rd.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic throws a football around with UCLA QB Justyn Martin. https://t.co/mI4KuxCFbP
— James H. Williams covers UCLA football (@JHWreporter) February 29, 2024
Not to be lost in the situation is Martin. While he has yet to take a snap at the college level, he was a four-star recruit from Inglewood High School.
Though Martin lags in the depth chart, his high school tape displays his cannon for an arm.
Rising senior Ethan Garbers is primed to be the starting quarterback for the Bruins in 2024, but if Martin can challenge him early in training camp, Martin could potentially fight for the QB1 job in Westwood with his incredible physical traits.