Pilic resigns as Tourney Director for Serbia Open, conflicts with Srdjan to blame (shocker)

The Serbia Open isn't slated to debut until May but it already has its first controversy courtesy of - who else? - papa Srdjan Djokovic.

Niki Pilic, owner of the high-regarded Niki Pilic Tennis Academy where a 12-year old Novak Djokovic trained, has reportedly resigned from his position as Tournament Director of the upcoming tourney due to conflicts with Srdjan.

Via Blic (translated by Google):

Nikola Pilić, advisor to the Serbian Davis Cup team, resigned as one of the tournament directors of the Serbia Open, which will be held from May 2 to 10 in Belgrade.

Pilic, known tennis expert and owner of a tennis academy in Munich, decided he no longer wanted be a part of the first ATP tournament (450,000 dollars) in Serbia because of Srdjan Djoković.

“He (Srdjan Djoković) held a news conference a few weeks ago in Belgrade without consulting with me, and said things that he’s not eligble to say. I then called the ATP and asked them to release me as Acting Director of the tournament.” Nikola Pilić told the Evening Gazette.

Pilić’s conflict with Srdjan Djoković should not have consequences for his role with the Serbian Davis Cup team, because his professional commitments are to Novak, not his father.

Papa Djoko is no stranger to controversy of course. Last season, Srdjan publicly lashed out at Davis Cup organizers after Serbia was drawn against Spain in this year's opening tie (which they lost) a year after being drawn against Russia in the opening round.

Not surprising news, really. But I had heard some talk that Niki was also an investor in the tourney as well though there was no mention either way in the article. Can someone confirm?

(via GOTOTENNIS)

I submit question, Jon Wertheim answers - it's like magic!

I wrote a post recently about the Serbia Open, which is partially owned by the Djokovic clan, and wondered aloud what, if any, conflicts of interest may be involved.

Well, my thoughts were heard and answered! Actually, I sent in the question to Jon Wertheim's mailbag over at Sports Illustrated since I figured he (and possibly their crack research team) could shed some light on the situation and it's featured in this week's edition. Check it out:

The Djokovic clan and some private investors recently bought the Amersfoort tourney and are transforming it into the newly-named Serbia Open, which debuts as an ATP 250 event this May. It's mentioned on his website he will be taking part in the tourney. A few readers (and me) were wondering if there's any precedent for this situation, e.g. an active baller buys into a tourney and then enters the draw? And wouldn't this setup be a conflict of interest for the tourney officials?
-- Rich, Brooklyn, N.Y.

• It's a huge conflict of interest, of course. (How would you like to be working as a line judge when Djokovic plays!) While I can't recall anything quite as flagrant as an active player's family owning a sanctioned tournament, conflict of interest is the coin of the realm in tennis. How different is this from a management group owning a tournament and also having players in the field under contact? (Gee, think IMG clients might get preferable treatment and first dibs at wild cards at IMG-owned events?) How different is this from broadcasters commentating on matches on which they have a financial stake in the outcome? How different is this from handing out appearance fees -- an inherent acknowledgment that some players are worth more to the tournament than others?

Taking a more charitable view here: tennis is obviously hot in Serbia right now and it only makes sense to penetrate that market. In addition to seizing the initiative and ponying up the cash, the Djokovic family can deliver the top draw but put him through his promotional paces. ("But I already went to a sponsor party yesterday!" "Shut up and press the flesh, son.") It's not an ideal situation, but you could argue the greater good is being served here.

True indeed Jon - tons of different hands diving into all kinds of cookie jars in this sport and probably many others too. And, yes, those Djokos will no doubt be put through the horse + pony PR show.

Smile for your cash boys!

(image via serbiaopen.com)

Nole visits site of Serbia Open, entered into tourney's draw - WTF?

Novak Djokovic was spotted with father Srdjan and brother Djordje at the Gale Muskatirovic sports center, the site of the upcoming Serbia Open.

According to his site Fernando Verdasco, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya, Ivan Ljubicic and Radek Stepanek will most likely take part in the event along with Nole. Pete Sampras is mentioned as a promoter.


The third-ranked baller sounded pleased with the progress:

I’m pleasantly surprised how much has been done already. Everything’s going well according to the plan, which makes me happy. I can’t wait to see how everything will look, when all the work is done on April 15.

The event is scheduled to take place from May 2nd - 10th and prize money is 450,000 euros.

I still find it strange Nole will be allowed to compete in a tourney he partially owns. Isn't it a conflict of interest? Anyone??

(images via novakdjokovic.rs)