The famous tennis player and coach Nikola Pilić passed away at the age of 87 in Rijeka.
Đoković shared the following message on social media:
“Dear Sjor Niko, I received the sad news today while I was on the court, finishing my training. A feeling of emptiness and sadness overcame me. I hope you felt how much you meant to me in my career and life. Your influence on my development as a person and a tennis player remains indelible. I feel eternal gratitude to you and your wonderful wife Mia for accepting me as your own son when I was 12 years old.
My parents and brothers have always felt you were a family member. When almost everyone turned their backs on us and while our country was being ravaged by bombing, Mia and you gave us a hand of support and did everything in your power so that my brothers and I could continue to live our dream and play the sport we love.
Thank you for all the moments that I relived in my head today and that will remain etched in my memory as long as I live. Besides the sadness and mixed emotions I feel, your character and memories of our shared moments bring joy and gratitude to my heart.
Your legacy will last for a long time, and generations will look back on your character and deeds with great admiration. All your achievements as a player, coach, and selector are written in golden letters in the books of the sports history of the Balkans and world tennis. For me, however, the most important thing is that I can proudly call you
Sjor Niko, my tennis Father. Rest in peace.
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Source: B92; Photo: Printscreen Instagram @DjokerNole