The Serbian tennis community has been hit with some devastating news today as Novak Djokovic’s former coach Dejan Lilic passed away at the age of 59 after battling a serious illness for quite some time.
During his career, Lilic became a very prominent coaching figure within the Serbian tennis circles as he worked with the national Davis Cup team, as well as with their younger generations – where he enjoyed big success.
16 years ago, Lilic was a part of the Serbian team that traveled to the Beijing Olympics. That year, Djokovic made his Olympic debut and won the bronze medal after beating James Blake.
The Serbian Tennis Federation confirmed the news through a statement and also paid tribute to the late coach and acknowledged his contributions.
“Jovan is survived by generations of tennis players whom he led as a personal and club coach. He was the national team coach in the U18 category, as well as the coach of the Davis Cup team of Serbia. His contribution to the development of tennis in Serbia cannot be overestimated. Our sympathies are with the Lilic family. The details regarding the funeral will be announced later,” the TSS said in a statement.
Djokovic reacts to his former coach passing away
After learning about the news, the record 24-time Grand Slam champion also paid tribute to the 59-year-old who sadly lost his battle with a serious illness.
“My spec (special) Naz (heartbroken and crying emojis),” the 37-year-old wrote.
Novak Djokovic tribute for Dejan Lilic © Novak Djokovic – Instagram
16 years after becoming an Olympic bronze medalist, Djokovic accomplished one of his biggest goals this past summer and landed a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Meanwhile, the current world No. 4 landed in Shanghai this week, where he is set to play for the first time since 2019. In the past, the Serb won four Shanghai titles between 2012 and 2018.
This year, Djokovic is the No. 4 seed in Shanghai and has a first-round bye before facing either Alex Michelsen or Bu Yunchaokete.
News
Emma Raducanu accepts Qatar Open wildcard as Brit seeks to end losing streak
Emma Raducanu has accepted a late wildcard to play the Qatar Open in Doha. Emma Raducanu has lost all of her last three matches (Image: Getty) Emma Raducanu has accepted a late wildcard to play next week’s Qatar Masters as she bids…
Emma Raducanu’s schedule unclear after losing three matches in a row
Emma Raducanu’s schedule is up in the air following her Abu Dhabi Open exit. Emma Raducanu’s schedule is uncertain following her Abi Dhabu defeat (Image: Getty) Emma Raducanu’s upcoming WTA Tour schedule remains up in the air. The Brit has lost her last…
Daniil Medvedev involved in very tense moment with rival after body hit
Daniil Medvedev was involved in an uneasy flashpoint at the Rotterdam Open. Daniil Medvedev flashed a stern look at Mattia Bellucci at the end of the point (Image: TENNIS TV) Daniil Medvedev flashed a steely look at Mattia Bellucci after the Italian…
Tennis star Danielle Collins shades critics with latest ‘kiss my a–‘ video in Bahamas
Danielle Collins has made good on her promise to rub Australia’s face in it. The former Australian Open finalist was booed off court after her third round defeat to eventual champion Madison Keys after the Melbourne crowd turned on her. The hot-headed…
Tennis fans stunned after Zizou Bergs tackled Cristian Garin during Davis Cup — and still won: ‘Shocking decision’
The Davis Cup tie between Belgium and Chile descended into chaos after a Belgian player won his match despite shoulder-charging his opponent, who pleaded for the match to be stopped. Belgium edged Chile 3-1 in the first round of Davis…
Carlos Alcaraz concedes to Jannik Sinner as Spaniard makes ‘crazy’ admission
Carlos Alcaraz has made where he stands on Jannik Sinner clear. Carlos Alcaraz has hailed Jannik Sinner. (Image: TENNIS TV) Carlos Alcaraz has conceded that Jannik Sinner is currently on another level than him and every other player on the ATP…
End of content
No more pages to load
