Novak Djokovic Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Nikola Pilic's Enduring Legacy: 'I Will Honor Him for Life' | ATP Tour | Tennis
Athens
Serbian Star Reflects on Poignant Memorial Event in Athens
November 04, 2025
Andrew Eichenholz/atp toUR
Novak Djokovic surrounded by fellow attendees from Nikola Pilic's renowned tennis academy. By Andrew Eichenholz
Imagine turning a hard-fought victory into a deeply personal moment of remembrance—this is exactly what tennis icon Novak Djokovic did on Tuesday evening at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship. Beyond securing another triumph on the court, the 22-time Grand Slam champion honored the memory of his beloved mentor, Nikola Pilic, who tragically passed away in September. For beginners in tennis, Pilic wasn't just any coach; he was a legendary figure who founded a prestigious academy in Germany, nurturing talents like Djokovic and instilling discipline, strategy, and the mental grit that defines elite players today.
Djokovic extended heartfelt invitations to a group of close associates from Pilic's academy—Petar Basic, Lado Chikhladze, Ana Jovanovic, Oliver Poturicek, Peter Shuster, and Kostas Zaraklanis—bringing them onto the Athens court to share in the tribute before an enthusiastic, capacity crowd. Alongside his brother and tournament director, Djordje Djokovic, Novak was visibly touched as a touching video montage of Pilic's life unfolded on the large screen.
"It stirred up so many emotions within me," Djokovic shared with ATPTour.com in a candid conversation. "He wasn't just a coach—he was like a father to me in the tennis world, guiding my growth both on and off the court. His influence shaped me as an athlete and as a person in ways I can't fully express. Hearing about his passing a few months back hit me hard, and it still does." To put this in perspective for newcomers, think of a mentor who teaches you not just skills but life lessons—Pilic was that for Djokovic, helping him navigate the pressures of professional tennis, much like how a wise teacher might turn a struggling student into a confident leader.
This ceremony marked the first funeral Djokovic had ever attended, a somber experience that underscored Pilic's profound effect on the Serbian star and countless others in the sport. "That day was incredibly tough," he admitted. "Yet, in a positive light, the mark he left on me—and on tennis as a whole—will endure forever. It won't diminish with time."
But here's where it gets interesting—Djokovic vowed to keep Pilic's spirit alive through his own journey. "For as long as I'm competing in tennis and breathing, I'll keep his name alive," he declared passionately. "This evening was just one way to show respect, and I'm certain that in the years ahead, stories of Niki's transformative impact on tennis and sports at large will inspire new generations. He truly deserves this recognition; he was an extraordinary individual." For those unfamiliar, this kind of tribute isn't uncommon in sports, where athletes often credit coaches for their successes, but Djokovic's emotional display raises questions about how far athletes should go to honor their mentors publicly.
And this is the part most people miss—the blend of professional gratitude and personal loss can sometimes blur lines, sparking debates. Is it too sentimental, or does it humanize superstars like Djokovic? What do you think—should athletes make such grand gestures, or is it better kept private? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss: Do you agree with Djokovic's vow, or does it seem overly dramatic to you?
