Watch: Novak Djokovic in tears after tribute to late coach Nikola Pilic

Novak Djokovic broke down at the ATP 250 Hellenic Championship in Athens after an emotional tribute to his late coach, Nikola Pili. Earlier in the evening, Djokovic had played impressively, beating Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 7-6(3), 6-1 in the second round. But the most touching moment came after the match, when organisers played a video in memory of Pili — the man Djokovic has often called his “tennis father.”

Pili, who passed away in September 2025 at the age of 86, had a huge influence on Djokovic’s journey in tennis. A former French Open finalist in 1973 and a Davis Cup-winning captain for Germany three times between 1988 and 1993, Pili later set up a tennis academy in Germany that trained many top players. Djokovic joined that academy at the age of 12, and under Pili’s guidance, began building the foundation of his remarkable career.

During the tribute, Djokovic couldn’t hold back his emotions and was seen wiping away tears. He later said the moment was “emotional,” as it reminded him of how much Pili had meant to him and his family. “Considering what he meant to me and my family — privately, also professionally — he was my tennis father,” Djokovic said. “As long as I play tennis and as long as I live, I’ll celebrate his name. He deserves it. He was a special man.”

The tribute in Athens made the moment even more meaningful. Djokovic recently moved to the city and said he feels “at home” in Greece. The mix of a strong victory and a personal remembrance made the night deeply special for him, blending his past and present in a touching way.

Fans are used to seeing Djokovic as calm, focused, and fiercely competitive, but this time, they saw a more emotional side of him. The moment reminded everyone that behind every great athlete stands a mentor who shaped their journey. For Djokovic, the night was not just about winning another match — it was about paying respect to the man who helped him become one of the greatest players in tennis history

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