Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Djokovic Moved to Tears by Tribute to Late Coach Pilic in Athens
Tennis star Novak Djokovic won a match in Athens, Greece.
After the match, a video played honoring his former coach, Nikola Pilic, who recently passed away.
Djokovic became very emotional and cried during the tribute.
He called Pilic his 'tennis father' because Pilic helped him a lot when he was young, starting when Djokovic was just 12 years old.
Pilic was also a successful tennis player and coach himself.
Djokovic felt a strong connection to the people in Athens and felt at home there.
He promised to always remember and celebrate the legacy of his beloved coach, who played a huge role in shaping him into the player and person he is today.
Novak Djokovic was moved to tears during a tribute to his late former coach, Nikola Pilic, following his win at the Hellenic Championship in Athens.
The emotional moment occurred after Djokovic's 7-6 (3), 6-1 victory over Alejandro Tabilo in the round of 16.
Djokovic described the late Nikola Pilic, who died in September at age 86, as his 'tennis father' and crucial to his development.
Pilic, a former French Open runner-up and Davis Cup-winning captain for Germany, began coaching Djokovic at age 12.
Djokovic expressed a desire to keep Pilic's legacy alive, vowing to celebrate his name as long as he plays tennis.
- Who
- Novak Djokovic and tributes to his late former coach Nikola Pilic
- What
- Novak Djokovic became emotional and cried during a tribute to his former coach after winning a tennis match.
- When
- November 4, 2025
- Where
- Hellenic Championship in Athens, Greece
- Why
- A video tribute to Nikola Pilic, who was described by Djokovic as his 'tennis father' and was instrumental in his development, was shown after his second-round win.
Pilic's Career Achievements
Djokovic's Personal Connection
Impact on Djokovic
Pilic's Career Achievements
Nikola Pilic was a prominent figure in tennis, serving as French Open runner-up in 1973 and captaining Germany to three Davis Cup titles.
Djokovic's Personal Connection
Djokovic described Pilic as his 'tennis father,' emphasizing his profound influence on his development as both a player and a person.
Legacy
Pilic's Career Achievements
Pilic, who passed away in September at age 86, was a significant figure in developing young talent, taking Djokovic under his wing at age 12.
Djokovic's Personal Connection
Djokovic expressed a deep commitment to honoring Pilic's memory, stating he will 'celebrate his name' for as long as he plays tennis and lives.
- Player
- Novak Djokovic
- Coach Honored
- Nikola Pilic
- Event
- Hellenic Championship
- Location
- Athens, Greece
- Date of Match
- November 4, 2025
- Djokovic's Age
- 38
- Pilic's Age at Death
- 86
- Djokovic's ATP Titles
- 100
