Novak Djokovic’s written message had English speakers flummoxed.

Novak Djokovic has explained his emotional Miami Open tribute (Image: Tennis Channel)

Novak Djokovic has explained the heartfelt tribute he inscribed on a camera lens after his Miami Open win over Rinky Hijikata. The message, which was written in Serbian, was a mystery to most fans until the 24-time Grand Slam champion explained it in an emotional interview.

Djokovic picked himself up after a tough post-Australian Open run of defeats by beating Hijikata on Friday. The 37-year-old breezed through the first set and won a tiebreak in the second to book his spot in the round of 32, where he will play Camilo Ugo on Sunday. After beating Hijikata, Djokovic was stern-faced as he wrote a message in marker pen which featured the number 16.

Subsequently appearing on Tennis Channel, Djokovic took deep breaths as he shed more light on the meaning. “I was paying tribute to the 16th victim of a tragedy in our country that happened last year,” he explained.

Djokovic was talking about the Novi Sad railway station roof collapse, which instantly took 14 lives. Another victim passed away two weeks later, and the death toll increased again earlier this week, when a teenager died of their injuries.

“There were 15 victims, and then unfortunately the 16th happened yesterday [Thursday],” Djokovic continued. “It’s one of the biggest tragedies that we have in our modern history in our country, so it’s a sad moment, but in a way, for me to pay respect to the victims.”

Thousands of mourners paid tribute to the Novi Sad victims (Image: Getty)

The disaster sparked widespread protests in Serbia, with many blaming corruption for what they feel is an inadequate level of care taken over construction projects. Restoration work had taken place at the Novi Sad station shortly before the concrete roof collapsed.

Hundreds of thousands of protestors gathered in Belgrade last weekend, making it the largest mass rally in Serbian history. Djokovic will aim to march on in honour of the victims as he prepares for what he hopes will be a deep run in Miami.

After beating Hijikata, he said: “I knew exactly what I wanted to do tactically. I love the way I was practicing actually the last seven to 10 days and had some great, great sessions on this court as well.

“It’s always a pleasure when you come back to an amazing city like Miami after six years of absence and I’ve had this many people in the first match, so I’m really, really grateful for their support.”