At the Hellenic Championship 2025 in Athens, Novak Djokovic found himself in a deeply emotional moment following a special tribute to his late coach and mentor, Nikola Pilić. The ceremony came after his second-round victory over Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo (7-6(3), 6-1).
The Tribute
After his match, Djokovic watched a video tribute honoring Pilić, who passed away in September aged 86. The emotional moment brought the usually composed 38-year-old to tears as he reflected publicly on the profound influence Pilić had on him.
What Djokovic Said
Djokovic described Pilić as “my tennis father,” saying the Croatian coach played a “fundamental, integral role” in his development both as a tennis player and as a human being. He pledged:
“As long as I play tennis and as long as I live, I’ll celebrate his name.”
Background: Pilić’s Influence
- Nikola Pilić was a distinguished former player (runner-up at the 1973 French Open) and later a successful coach and Davis Cup captain for Germany.
- Djokovic joined Pilić’s German academy when he was just 12 years old, marking the start of a relationship that would shape his career.
- The tribute in Athens comes as a public acknowledgment of the mentor’s long-lasting legacy on Djokovic’s life and the sport.
Significance of the Moment
- For Djokovic, this was more than a win; it was a moment of reflection and gratitude for a figure who helped lay his foundations.
- It showed a vulnerable side of a champion often defined by his mental toughness and competitiveness.
- For the tennis world, it served as a reminder that behind great athletes are mentors whose contributions sometimes go unseen.
What’s Next
Djokovic progresses in the Athens tournament, but the tribute means his focus isn’t just on titles—it’s also on legacy, memory, and the relationships that matter beyond the scoreboard. He noted that the tribute was “one of the moments of how to pay tribute” and that the legacy of Pilić will continue to be honoured in future.
