Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic suffered a personal loss. He lost his former coach to a prolonged battle with illness. While the veteran coach’s passing has brought the Serbian tennis fraternity to tears, Djokovic had a sad retrospection. Offering his respect and condolences to the man who shaped some aspects of his career, Djokovic offered words that echoed their bond. It left a big question among the fraternity: What was Lilic’s role in Djokovic’s life?

Djokovic penned a special message for his former coach, Jovan Lilic who passed away recently. A Serbian Tennis Federation’s page shared the news on Instagram, “It is with great pain and sadness that we inform the sports and tennis public that Jovan Lilic (1965-2024), a prominent tennis worker, coach and a man who brought smiles to our faces with cheerfulness of spirit.” Lilic had been an influential figure in the Serbian tennis scene. He had numerous milestones including the European Championships, Serbia’s victory in the 2010 Davis Cup, and the Beijing Olympics. Known for his cheerful nature, this Serbian coach breathed his last at 60 after battling long with a serious illness in Belgrade.

The news shattered Djokovic. He wrote a special message on his IG story sharing the Serbian page’s post. It read “Spec Naz moj” the three-word message translates to, “My Special Naz” (translated from Serbian), the message was also followed by teary eyes and a praying hand emoji. His emotions could express his respect and admiration for his former coach. Djokovic earned his Olympic bronze under Lilic’s guidance. Therefore, his presence was an incredible support in Djokovic’s career. Lilic’s demise saddened the Serbian tennis GOAT pushing the ATP star into retrospection with his former coach.

This disappointing news came to Djokovic when he was gearing up for his Shanghai Masters. He will play his first match at the tournament tomorrow. After exiting the 2024 US Open in the third round, the Serb decided to return to China after five long years. He also expressed delight in participating in the 2o24 Shanghai Masters.

Novak Djokovic revealed he “missed” playing in China

Recovering from the heartbreak after his former coach’s death, Djokovic is eyeing the Shanghai Masters trophy. Last year he withdrew from the tournament without any concrete reason. However, it seemed the Serb was carefully choosing the tournaments for his participation. This year his inclusion in the ATP 500 event delighted his mind. “It feels great. I missed it. It’s been a while, as you said, five years, coming back to, honestly, one of the happiest places I’ve had in my career, a place, a country where I had plenty of success on the tennis courts, Beijing and Shanghai, many titles won, great memories,” he said.

While the Serb withdrew from the tournament, he mentioned his supportive Chinese fans. Referring to the tournament as his “favourite tournaments in the season,” Djokovic seemed delighted to return to his favorite place.

Novak Djokovic’s Shanghai Masters run is already an exciting event for his supporters. Given his return on this court after five years his supporters are excited to see his form. Whether he wins or not is a different question but his participation has brought a lot of excitement among peers. Do you think he can turn the table in China after the sad US Open exit this season?