Novak Djokovic writes emotional statement - 'Emptiness overwhelmed me'

Novak Djokovic issued a heartbreaking statement as he responded to the death of his 'tennis dad' Nikola Pilic at the age of 87. The former tennis star reached a French Open final and played in a Wimbledon doubles final before retiring in 1978 after a decade-long career. He later turned to coaching and was one of the key men behind Djokovic's incredible rise to supremacy.

Pilic took a young Djokovic under his wing when he was only 12 years old, allowing the Serb to train at his tennis academy. Nearly four decades later, Djokovic remains highly appreciative of what his Croatian mentor did for him. Reacting to the news of his death, he posted a heartfelt statement on X (formerly Twitter) in which he said that he was left with 'a feeling of emptiness'.

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It read: "Dear Mr Niko, I received sad news today while I was on the court, finishing my training. A feeling of emptiness and sorrow overwhelmed me.

"I hope you felt how much you meant to me in my career and life. Your impact on my development as a person and a tennis player remains indelible.

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" 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 as a member of the family.

"When almost everyone turned their backs on us and while our country was being devastated by bombing, Mija and you extended a hand of support to us and did everything in your power so that my brothers and I could continue to live our dream and engage in the sport we love.

"Thank you for all the moments that relived in my mind today and that will remain etched in my memory for as long as I. Alongside the sadness and mixed emotions I feel, your image and memories of our shared moments bring joy and gratitude to my heart.

"Your legacy will endure for a long time, and will look back on your persona and achievements with great admiration. All your accomplishments as a player, coach, and selector are inscribed in golden letters in the books of Balkan and world tennis history.

"For me, however, the most important thing is that I can proudly call you 'Mr Niko, my tennis father'. Rest in peace."

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Pilic certainly played a huge role in shaping Djokovic into the player he is today. Three years ago, he described his protege as the greatest of all time and suggested that a lot of people in the western world were bothered by his success.

"I think his success has hurt the West in a different way," Pilic told Croatian media. "By their understanding of things, the level Djokovic has reached was reserved for someone from the West.

"And then comes a guy from a small country to dominate the world of tennis. Had Roger Federer done what Djokovic did at the US Open in 2020, he would not have been disqualified. [The West] has a problem with Djokovic being the best."

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