Novak Djokovic breaks down remembering late coach, ‘tennis father’ Nikola Pilic

Athens: Novak Djokovic was visibly emotional after his second-round victory at the ATP 250 Hellenic Championship in Athens on Tuesday, when organisers played a touching tribute video dedicated to his former coach, Nikola Pilic. The Serbian champion, who defeated Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 7-6(3), 6-1, struggled to hold back tears as the video recalled his long association with Pilic.

Pilic, a Croatian tennis icon, was the runner-up at the 1973 French Open and later served as a coach and Davis Cup captain, leading Germany to three titles between 1988 and 1993. Djokovic first trained under him at the Pilic Academy in Germany at the age of 12 — a partnership that shaped his early career.

“It was an emotional moment,” Djokovic said in an interview after the match. “He was my tennis father, someone who played a fundamental role in my development both as a player and as a person. It was really sad news when I heard that he passed away.”

Now 38, Djokovic has credited Pilic for instilling in him the discipline and mindset that later defined his record-breaking career. The 24-time Grand Slam champion vowed to continue honouring his late mentor’s legacy, saying, “As long as I play tennis and as long as I live, I’ll celebrate his name.”

Djokovic added that Pilic’s influence extended far beyond his personal journey, shaping the careers of countless players across Europe. “He deserves to be remembered as one of the greats — a special man who helped build the foundation for modern tennis,” he said.

The Hellenic Championship crowd responded with warm applause as Djokovic wiped away tears — a rare public display of emotion from one of tennis’s fiercest competitors.

Who was Nikola Pilic?

Nikola Pilic, who passed away in September 2025, remains one of the most respected figures in tennis history. In addition to his successful playing career, Pilic was known for mentoring several elite players, including Goran Ivanisevic, Michael Stich, and Novak Djokovic. His academy in Germany produced generations of top talent and was instrumental in nurturing young Eastern European players during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Djokovic, who has now amassed 100 ATP titles, continues to compete at the top level and remains a symbol of longevity and excellence in the sport. His emotional tribute in Athens served as a reminder of the deep personal connections that underpin professional success — and of the mentors whose legacies live on through their students.