Novak Djokovic pays heartfelt tribute to his mentor Pilić at the Athens tournament: A lifelong homage

On November 4, 2025, at the Greek Championship, Novak Djokovic’s celebration went far beyond a mere match victory. The Serbian tennis icon, holder of 100 tour titles, took this moment to honor the legendary coach Nikola Pilić, who passed away in September this year, with a touching ceremony that commemorated his mentor’s life and ensured Pilić’s sporting spirit lived on amid the applause.

Nikola Pilić’s life is a true tennis legend. As a former Croatian tennis star, he won 16 singles titles and 19 doubles championships during his playing career, reaching a world top-three ranking in 1973 and leading the former Yugoslav team to a Davis Cup victory. After transitioning to coaching, he became a mentor to many, founding the renowned Pilić Tennis Academy and nurturing numerous top players, including Djokovic himself — the Serbian star has often described Pilić as the guiding figure in both his career and personal life.

That evening in Athens, Djokovic invited six friends and colleagues from the Pilić Tennis Academy — Petar Bašić, Rado Cihlarz, Ana Jovanović, Oliver Poturicek, Peter Schuster, and Kostas Zaraklanidis — to join him on the court. As the packed crowd watched, a tribute video played on the big screen, showcasing Pilić’s legendary career and his dedication to nurturing talent. Djokovic and tournament director, his brother Đorđe Djokovic, stood watching, visibly moved.

“It was an incredibly touching moment,” Djokovic revealed in an interview with the ATP Tour’s official website. “Whether in private life or professional path, he meant the world to me and my family. I always called him the ‘father of tennis.’ His role in my development as an athlete and as a person was irreplaceable. When I heard of his passing a few months ago, I was deeply heartbroken.”

Notably, Pilić’s funeral was the first that Djokovic ever attended in his life. That heavy memory remains vivid and has deepened his appreciation of the profound impact his mentor had on him and countless others. “That was an extremely difficult period, but the legacy he left me and the sport of tennis will never fade or disappear.”

Looking ahead, Djokovic spoke with determination: “As long as I keep playing and as long as I live, I will continue to honor his name. Tonight was just one of many moments of tribute. I firmly believe that both now and in the future, people will remember Niki (Pilić’s nickname) for his contributions to tennis and the entire sports world. He deserved all of this; he was such a special person.” This heartfelt salute, beyond wins or losses, is both a noble farewell to a legendary coach and a lasting continuation of Pilić’s philosophy of nurturing not just players but their hearts.

#Djokovic#​#AthensChampionship#​#TennisNews#​