We have a quick update on the Serbia Open story – where Tournament Director Niki Pilic resigned from his post due to conflict with Novak’s dad, Srdjan Djokovic (the Djokovics are part owners of the tournament.) Thanks to commenter Jelly Bean for bringing this to my attention! (Click here for my original piece)

This update from Serbian Blic’s English edition (click here):

“Of course, (Srdjan’s behavior) will not influence my cooperation with Novak Djokovic, with whom I still have a great relationship. He actually called me afterwards and apologized to me, saying he hadn’t known anything about it.” said Pilic.

Serbia has once again stumbled on the first step towards embarking on as complex a task as organizing an ATP event for the first time ever. However, one certainty is that the works at the Milan Gale Muskatirovic sports centre to host the Serbia Open 2009 are on schedule and, as the organizers assure, they will be completed within the deadline.

I’m glad to hear that Novak’s being proactive about his hotheaded Dad’s inappropriate behavior, but there’s something sad about having to constantly apologize for your parents. I guess this is why we haven’t see the family in the stands as often – Nole’s probably trying to wean them from the tennis scene. Good luck, Nole!

Photo courtesy of ESPN