Athens, Greece – Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic was visibly overcome with emotion, shedding tears during a heartfelt video tribute to his late mentor, Nikola Pilić, at the Hellenic Championship in Athens on Tuesday. The moving display followed Djokovic’s second-round victory over Alejandro Tabilo, highlighting the profound impact Pilić had on the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s life and career.
Pilić, a Croatian former tennis player and coaching legend whom Djokovic frequently referred to as his “tennis father,” passed away in September at the age of 86. The tribute in Athens served as a poignant reminder of the deep bond between the two, with Djokovic stating that he would “celebrate his name” for as long as he lives.
A Deep and Enduring Mentorship
Nikola Pilić’s influence on Novak Djokovic began in 1999 when a 12-year-old Djokovic moved to Pilić’s tennis academy in Oberschleißheim, Germany. This move came at a crucial time for Djokovic, as his home country of Serbia was experiencing the NATO bombing campaign during the Kosovo War, and his parents faced financial and emotional difficulties. Pilić and his wife, Mia, welcomed Djokovic “with open arms” and treated him like their own son.
Djokovic trained at the academy for four years, developing not only his exceptional tennis skills but also his character. Pilić recognized Djokovic’s “extraordinary” discipline and mental strength even at a young age, noting that he was “a little pro who had only one aim in his head: to become world number one.”
Pilić’s Legacy as a “Tennis Father”
Djokovic has consistently credited Pilić for his foundational development. In a social media post after Pilić’s passing, Djokovic wrote, “Your influence on my personal development and as a tennis player remains indelible. I have eternal gratitude towards you and your wife Mia for accepting me as your son at the age of 12.” He further emphasized, “He was more than just a mentor and a coach to me. He was part of my family, to me and my brothers. He helped so much. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”
Pilić’s mentorship extended beyond the technical aspects of tennis; he was also a man who “fought for players’ rights and who always stood up to correct injustice wherever he saw it,” values that deeply inspired Djokovic.
The Emotional Tribute in Athens
Following his 7-6(3), 6-1 victory against Alejandro Tabilo at the Hellenic Championship, a video tribute honoring Nikola Pilić was played. Djokovic, who had just secured his first-ever professional win in Greece, was visibly moved as he watched the montage, with tears streaming down his face.
He later told ATPTour.com, “It was an emotional moment. Considering what he meant to me and my family — privately, also professionally — he was my tennis father as I like to call him, someone that has played a fundamental, integral role in my development as a tennis player and as a human being.” Djokovic added, “It was really sad news when I heard that he passed away a few months ago.”
Ensuring Pilić’s Name Lives On
Djokovic has vowed to keep Pilić’s legacy alive, stating, “As long as I play tennis and as long as I live, I will celebrate his name.” He believes that “people will learn about how Niki has impacted the world of tennis and the world of sport. He deserves it. He was a special man.”
Pilić’s coaching career was indeed extraordinary, as he is the only man to have captained three different nations—Germany, Croatia, and Serbia—to Davis Cup glory. His guidance was instrumental when Serbia won the Davis Cup in 2010 with Djokovic as a key player.
The emotional tribute in Athens underscores the profound and lasting bond between a legendary coach and his most successful protégé, a relationship that shaped not only a tennis champion but also a man.
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