Novak Djokovic broke down in tears at the Hellenic Championship in Greece as he watched a tribute video to his former mentor Nikola Pilic. Pilic passed away at the age of 86 in September after playing a key role in Djokovic’s early days in tennis.

Djokovic was taken under Pilic’s wing as a youngster and began training at his tennis academy in Munich when he was 10 years old. Pilic had previously enjoyed a 10-year career as a tennis player, reaching the French Open men’s singles final in 1973. He also appeared in the Wimbledon doubles final in 1962, before winning the US Open doubles title eight years later. And he was the focal point of the 1973 Wimbledon boycott as 81 players opted not to play at the tournament after he had been suspended.

Djokovic featured in his first-ever professional tennis match in Greece on Tuesday as he defeated Alejandro Tabilo at the Hellenic Championship, where Djokovic’s brother is the tournament director.

And after his victory, he was overcome with emotion on court as he watched footage of Pilic on the big screen.

The tears continued to flow during Djokovic’s post-match interview as he told the crowd: “Sorry. Sorry for this but he was more than just a mentor and a coach to me. He was a part of my family to me and my brothers. He has helped so much and I definitely wouldn’t be who I am today without him.

“He passed away a few months ago and I want to ask your support to give him respect and the tribute that he deserves, the legend that he is.”

Djokovic was joined on court by friends and coaches from Pilic’s academy as more emotional scenes unfolded.

And the 38-year-old, who moved to Athens with his family earlier this year, later told the ATP Tour website: “It was an emotional moment.

“Considering what he meant to me and my family, privately, also professionally, 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.”

The Serbian then added: “As long as I play tennis and as long as I live, I will celebrate his name.

“And tonight this was one of the moments of how to pay tribute.

“And I’m 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.”