Emotional Djokovic Pays Tribute to Late Mentor in Athens

There was more than tennis on the mind of Novak Djokovic when he reappeared in Athens this week. The 24 time Grand Slam champion won by 7-6(3), 6-1 of Alejandro Tabilo at the Hellenic Championship, the after the match incident was the story of his night.

The event organizers used a tribute video dedicated to the late Nikola Pilic, the coach and longtime mentor of Djokovic who died in September at the age of 86. Pilic, a former French Open finalist in 1973 and a renowned coach, who led Germany to three Davis Cup titles were instrumental in the success of Djokovic. When Djokovic was 12 years old, he enrolled in the academy of Pilic in Germany whom he refers to as a tennis father who shaped his life and professional career.

Djokovic looked emotional as the video was being played. The 38 year old said afterward that it was an emotional moment. What he was to me and my family, both in his personal and professional life was essential. He assisted in molding me as a human being and a tennis player. I had heard that he had died, and it was a sad news. So long as I live I will glorify his name.

His emotional Athenian evening had an additional off-court meaning as well. It was the first time Djokovic was playing in the city after his move with his family out of Serbia to Greece. The move has been attributed to negative publicity that he experienced in Serbia after he expressed his support to demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vučić. Djokovic has further taken ATP event which his family used to host in Belgrade to Athens.

After the game, Djokovic described the reason why Greece has become more than a training camp, in a short period of time. It is quite like home playing in Athens, said he. “Serbians love Greece. We have all so much in common historically, culturally and religiously. People people have been so hospitable. Athens is in my heart.”

Stefan and Tara are now studying in school in Athens and Djokovic has been admitted to a local tennis club as he adjusts to his new environment.

Considering the actual match, Djokovic admitted that Tabilo had been a tough opponent in the past, on clay courts. I attempted to feed on the audience, he told me.

Djokovic is now going to play with Nuno Borges in the quarterfinals and with him the burden of personal recollection as well as with the newfound home support.

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