There is no doubt that Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest players of all time. With 20 Grand Slams to his name and most weeks spent as World No. 1, he is indeed a force to reckon with. A person who contributed to the Serb’s success is Nikola Pilic, his ex-coach.

Pilic has been one of the key figures in making Djokovic the sportsperson that he is today. He trained the Serb when he was just 12 years old, in Germany. Since then, the Croatian former player has also been an integral part of Djokovic’s entourage. Known for not mincing his words, Pilic has previously mentioned how the Western world is plotting against Djokovic’s success. Pilic believes that Rafael Nadal would not have won the title if Australia had allowed Djokovic to compete.

“This cannot be considered a true triumph for Rafa due to the absence of the best player in the world. The only ones who consider the Spaniard the best in history are the Western media, who cannot assume that someone from the Balkans already has overcome and is the best in a sport that they consider as their own… Djokovic is the GOAT,” he said.

(Quotes have been translated using Google Translate)

Pilic thinks Novak Djokovic was humiliated

Novak Djokovic arrived in Melbourne with the aim of defending his Australian Open title, but the immigration authorities whisked him away to a detention facility. What followed was a lengthy and dramatic court battle and negotiations.

The status of the World No. 1’s visa hung in balance for almost two weeks, but ultimately Australian immigration minister, Alex Hawke, revoked his visa. Amidst a blaze of controversy and divided opinions, the authorities deported Djokovic to his home country.

While many players in the tennis fraternity said that the citizens and the country came first, not the sport, some said that Djokovic was forced to become a victim of petty politics. Pilic also has a similar mindset. “What they have done to Djokovic is tragic, he has been the victim of humiliation and treatment horrible, it seemed that he was a criminal, after everything he has done for this sport,” he said.

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What did you make of the entire saga? Let us know in the comments.

WATCH THIS STORY:‘It’s a Joke’: John McEnroe Furious Over Novak Djokovic’s Deportation From Australia