Novak Djokovic pays tribute to Late Coach Jovan Lilic

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic recently shared his sadness after the passing of his former coach, Jovan Lilic, who died following a long illness.

Lilic, a well-known figure in Serbian tennis, had a significant impact on Djokovic’s early career, including his success at the 2008 Beijing Olympics where Djokovic won a bronze medal.

Djokovic expressed his grief and respect for Lilic by sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing “Spec Naz moj,” which translates to “My Special Naz” in Serbian. He also added teary eyes and praying hand emojis to show his deep admiration for his late coach.

The Serbian Tennis Federation also shared the sad news, stating that Lilic, who passed away at the age of 60, was not only a talented coach but also a cheerful and uplifting presence in the tennis community. Lilic had contributed to many milestones in Serbian tennis, including Serbia’s 2010 Davis Cup victory.

Djokovic is currently preparing for the 2024 Shanghai Masters after a disappointing early exit from the US Open. Despite his personal loss, Djokovic is looking forward to returning to China, where he has fond memories of past victories. He expressed his excitement, saying, “I missed it. It’s been five years, and I’ve had so much success in Beijing and Shanghai.”

The Serbian tennis legend continues to reflect on his career while honoring the legacy of his late coach, who played a pivotal role in shaping his early achievements.