Novak Djokovic turns fervent after he wins in the second round of the ATP 250 Hellenic Championships playing Chilean Alejandro Tabilo at Athens. He was in tears while watching the video tribute to Pilic. The spectators were moved watching Djokovic.
Who is Nicola Pilic?
Nicola Pilic is a Croatian who was active in the sport from 1968 to 1978 and left the world at 86. He trained Djokovic from young age of 12. Djokovic started training at Nicola Pillic’s tennis academy in Germany.
Nicola began training newcomers after his retirement in 1978. His institute near Munich trained many tennis players. Some of them include Novak Djokovic, Goran Ivanisevic, and Michael Stich. He was also the first and only player to steer Germany, Croatia, and Serbia in their Davis Cup wins.
Image source- The Sun
Novak Djokovic Gets Emotional On Court
After looking at the video paying tribute to his coach Djokovic was unable to control his tears. He said “Sorry. Sorry for this, but he was more than just a mentor and a coach to me. He was a part of my family to me and my brothers. He has helped so much, and I definitely wouldn’t be who I am today without him.” Djokovic added, “He passed away a few months ago, and I want to ask your support to give him respect and the tribute that he deserves, the legend that he is.”
Later, in a chat with the ATP website, Djovic said, “It was an emotional moment. Considering what he meant to me and my family — privately, also professionally — he was my tennis father, as I like to call him, someone who has played a fundamental, integral role in my development as a tennis player and as a human being. It was really sad news when I heard that he had passed away.”
“As long as I play tennis and as long as I live, I will celebrate his name. And tonight, this was one of the moments of how to pay tribute. And I’m sure in the near future – in the far future as well – people will learn about how Niki has impacted the world of tennis and the world of sport. He deserves it. He was a very special man.”
Image source- ᖴᖇᗩᑎI on X
Djokovic Feels Like Home In Athens
Novak Djokovic has shifted to Athens from Serbia recently. After the game he said it feels really like home playing in Athens. Djokovic said that he loved the way people reached him.
