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Novak Djokovic's straight sets win over Alejandro Tabilo in the second round at the Hellenic Championship in Athens seemed like another routine day - until a tribute flashed up on the screen post-match.
It was in honour of Djokovic's former coach Nikola Pilic, who passed away earlier this year aged 86 - and it didn't take long for the 24-time Grand Slam winner to break down in tears.
'For me, it was an emotional moment, considering what he meant to me and my family — privately, also professionally,' he told ATPTour.com.
'He was my tennis father, as I like to call him, someone that 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 passed away a few months ago.'
Djokovic attended Pilic's funeral and labelled the occasion 'very difficult.'
Novak Djokovic's win over Alejandro Tabilo in the second round at the Hellenic Championship in Athens seemed like another routine day - until a tribute flashed up on the screen post-match
It was in honour of Djokovic's former coach Nikola Pilic, who passed away earlier this year - he was affectionately known as the Serbian's 'tennis father'
'But on a brighter side, the legacy he left behind is never going to fade away,' he said.
'I am 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... as long as I play tennis and as long as I live, I will celebrate his name.'
Pilic, was born in Split, Croatia, and went on to represent Yugoslavia as a player.
Later he became one of the sport's most successful coaches, including Djokovic when he was a 12-year-old prodigy.
The moving tribute in Greece also saw several figures from Pilic's academy in the crowd.
Djokovic will next play Portuguese sixth-seed Nuno Borges for a spot in the semi-finals at the Hellenic Championship.
In January, the Serbian will chase a remarkable 11th men's singles title at the Australian Open, with his first triumph in 2008.
He has also won Wimbledon seven times, the US Open on four occasions and the French Open in 2016, 2021 and 2023.
