Novak Djokovic was moved to tears following his second-round victory at the Hellenic Championship in Athens on Tuesday after tournament organisers played a tribute video to his former coach, Nikola Pilic, who died in September at the age of 86.
Djokovic, who joined Pilic’s academy in Germany at the age of 12, was visibly moved during the video, which was played after the 24-time Grand Slam champion defeated Alejandro Tabilo 7-6(3) 6-1.
In his playing days, Croatian Pilic was a runner-up at the French Open in 1973. After transitioning to coaching, he led Germany to three Davis Cup titles between 1988 and 1993.
😢 Djokovic’s tears after the video in memory of his tennis “father” Niki Pilic 💔
@DjokerNole #NoleFam #hellenicchampionship 🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/Qk3XUr0gTn
— Milica Milutinovic (@MilicaM84932667) November 4, 2025
“It was an emotional moment,” the 38-year-old said.
“Considering what he meant to me and my family – privately, also professionally – he was my tennis father, as I like to call him, someone who played a fundamental, integral role in my development as a tennis player and as a human being.”
“It was really sad news when I heard that he passed away. As long as I play tennis and as long as I live, I’ll celebrate his name,” he added.
Djokovic, who has won 100 ATP titles, said he would keep Pilic’s legacy alive.
“This was one way to pay tribute, and I’m sure in the future 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,” the former World No.1 said.
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