Novak Djokovic, the 2018 Wimbledon and US Open champion, who has had an incredible season so far, shared an emotional post about Niki Pilic, terming him his 'Tennis father'. The Serb, who made a remarkable comeback after seeing a slump in form since 2016, called Niki Pilic, a long retired Croatian professional tennis player, his mentor in the Facebook post and shared pictures with him. Novak Djokovic's Interview as a 7-Year-Old Proves He is a True Champion, Watch Video Where He Says, 'Tennis is a Duty for Me'.

Novak shared the story of how Niki Pilic and his wife Mija accepted Jelena Gencic's request for allowing Novak to attend Niki's tennis academy in Germany when he was just 12 years old, though Niki did not accept players below 14 years of age. Novak further added how Niki and Mija treated him as their own child and said that his family will always remember it. Novak Djokovic Wins US Open 2018 Men's Final Title, Claims 14th Grand Slam Title, Equals Pete Sampras' Tally.

Describing how Niki plays tennis for four hours a day even at the age of 80, Novak added that his mindset is remarkable. Niki Pilic is the only tennis coach to win five different Davis Cup titles with three different nations.

Novak added that Niki is one of the most important tennis and life mentors in his life and said that the time he spent in Niki's academy greatly impacted his career and game. Novak also said that he will eternally be grateful to Niki and Mija for all they have done for him and his family.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2018 04:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).