Novak Djokovic Left ‘Eternally Grateful’ as ‘Tennis Father’ Nikola Pilic Dies Aged 86: The Man Who Changed the Game and Inspired a Generation
- Nikola Pilic, the Croatian tennis great who trained Novak Djokovic, has passed away at the age of 86
- Pilic was a French Open singles runner-up in 1973 and led Djokovic to Davis Cup glory in 2010
- Djokovic has paid tribute to Pilic, describing him as “my tennis father, my mentor” and crediting him with changing his game and career
- Pilic’s death has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, with many players and coaches paying their respects to the legendary coach
Novak Djokovic is mourning the loss of his “tennis father”, Nikola Pilic, who has died at the age of 86. Pilic, a Croatian tennis great, was instrumental in Djokovic’s early career, training him at his academy in Germany and leading him to Davis Cup glory in 2010.
Pilic was a true legend of the game, with a remarkable career that spanned over five decades. He was a French Open singles runner-up in 1973 and was known for his role in the Wimbledon boycott that year. Pilic was also a pioneering coach, becoming the first coach to lead three countries (Germany, Croatia, and Serbia) to Davis Cup titles.
Djokovic has always spoken highly of Pilic, crediting him with changing his game and career. In a heartfelt tribute, Djokovic described Pilic as “my tennis father, my mentor”. He said: “He and his wife Mija accepted me into their academy in Germany when I was just 12 years old, even though he usually didn’t accept players under 14. They treated me like their own child, and did the same for my two younger brothers. My family will always remember that.”
Pilic’s impact on Djokovic’s career cannot be overstated. He helped Djokovic develop his skills and mentored him through the early stages of his career. Djokovic has said that Pilic’s academy was “one of the best European tennis academies at the time” and that Pilic’s mindset was “remarkable”. He added: “He was a very successful player and even more successful coach. He is the only tennis coach to win five different Davis Cup titles with three different nations.”
The tennis world is in mourning following Pilic’s passing, with many players and coaches paying their respects to the legendary coach. Djokovic’s tribute to Pilic is a testament to the impact he had on his life and career, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
As Djokovic said: “I am eternally grateful for everything you have done for me and my family, Niki. You will always be in my heart and in my memories.”