Djokovic misses Jelena Gencic’s memorial service, sends touching letter

World number one Novak Djokovic understandably missed the memorial service of his first coach Jelena Gencic. Gencic died on Saturday at the age of 76 and a memorial service was conducted by the Serbian Tennis Federation on Monday. Djokovic is still in Paris competing at the ongoing Roland Garros tournament where he reached the semifinals by beating Tommy Haas on Wednesday.

Despite his absence, Djokovic sent a memorable farewell letter which his mother Dijana read during the gathering. The test was translated in English and can be read in full at this site.

Here’s an except of the letter:

“My dear Jelena, I am immensely sad to be saying goodbye to you today. You prepared me for many situations in life—for wins, for triumphs, for our trophies—but I am completely unprepared for our parting. Not being able to see you off makes me endlessly sad. Still, I know that you’d be mad if I gave up or decreased my chance to fulfill this final wish of ours, winning Roland Garros… I promise that I will speak your name to future generations and that your spirit will live on on our tennis courts.”