Mark Pope was in Novak Djokovic's box at the US Open last night

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope - © Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal & USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK

Does Mark Pope ever sleep? Fresh off an appearance with UofL coach Pat Kelsey at a luncheon in Louisville on Wednesday afternoon, Kentucky’s new coach was spotted in the stands in the US Open in New York last night. And not just any seat. Pope and his wife Lee Anne were in Novak Djokovic’s box for his match vs. Laslo Djere in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Looks like Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope is sitting in Novak Djokovic’s box at the US Open. #USOpen2024 pic.twitter.com/J7UH8dwjr1
— John Clay (@johnclayiv) August 29, 2024

@KySportsRadio Did we just see UK MBB coach Mark Pope in Novak Djokovic’s box at the U.S. Open? If he plays tennis, he ought to hit with Kyle Macy some time. #USOpen2024 pic.twitter.com/oANbI8Lw7U
— Landon (@SwervinVolleyer) August 29, 2024

Utah Jazz/Utah Hockey Club owner Ryan Smith and former BYU basketball coach Mark Pope in Novak Djokovic’s box at U.S. Open. pic.twitter.com/cAcW8VnJLC
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) August 29, 2024

What in the world was Pope doing in Djokovic’s box? Great question. As BYU beat writer Jay Drew noted in his tweet, the Popes were sitting with Ryan Smith, the owner of the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club, so likely just a friendship going back to his days in Provo. Pope’s daughter Avery played tennis at BYU and the entire family was spotted at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month. One of his other daughters, Layla Grace, is a dancer for the Utah Jazz as well.

Earlier in the day, Pope shared the stage with Pat Kelsey and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg at the Leadership Louisville Center’s annual luncheon. As we’ve seen in the rivalry thus far, the two coaches played nice, with Kelsey even complimenting the roster that Pope has built since he took the job in April.

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“Obviously, with the rivalry, I’ve paid very close attention to what Mark’s done and what he’s built,” Kelsey said. “He’s underselling. He’s like Noah’s Ark. He’s got two of everything.”

Even the Louisville Cardinal gave Pope a hug. Good thing we’ve got that picture of Pope doing Ls Down in Eastern Kentucky from last weekend or I’d be worried the rivalry was getting too warm and fuzzy.