Novak Djokovic Honors Nikola Pilic's Memory
At the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship, Novak Djokovic celebrated more than just a victory on Tuesday evening. The 100-time tour-level champion paid tribute to the late influential coach Nikola Pilic, who died in September.
Remembering a Mentor
Djokovic invited friends and coaches from Pilic's academy—Petar Basic, Lado Chikhladze, Ana Jovanovic, Oliver Poturicek, Peter Shuster, and Kostas Zaraklanis—to join him on court in Athens. Together, they honored Pilic’s legacy in front of a packed crowd.
“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. It was really sad news when I heard that he passed away a few months ago.”
Personal Impact and Lasting Legacy
Pilic’s funeral marked the first time Djokovic had attended such a ceremony. The experience left a deep impression, underlining Pilic’s profound influence on him and many others in tennis.
“It was a very, very difficult moment. But on a brighter side, the legacy that he left behind on me, but also for this sport, is never going to fade away, never going to die. As long as I play tennis and as long as I live, I will celebrate his name.”
Tribute from Djokovic Family
Djokovic and his brother, tournament director Djordje Djokovic, were visibly moved as a tribute video played on the big screen during the event.
Author's summary: Novak Djokovic passionately honors coach Nikola Pilic’s lasting impact on his career and life, promising to celebrate his legacy as long as he lives.