Nikola Pilić, one of the most influential figures in world tennis and a pivotal mentor in Novak Djokovic’s career, has died at the age of 87.
Pilić, often referred to by Djokovic as his “tennis father,” leaves behind a remarkable legacy as both a player and a coach. Born in Split, Croatia, in 1937, he became one of the leading players of his generation before making his greatest impact as a coach and mentor, helping shape the careers of several champions.
As a player, Pilić reached the French Open final in 1973 and won five ATP titles. But his reputation was cemented through his work off the court. He was the driving force behind Yugoslavia’s Davis Cup efforts and later enjoyed extraordinary success as captain of the German Davis Cup team, leading them to three titles in 1988, 1989, and 1993 with players like Boris Becker and Michael Stich.
His greatest legacy, however, may be his role in guiding Novak Djokovic. The Serbian superstar spent his formative years at Pilić’s Munich academy, where he honed the technical and mental toughness that would carry him to 24 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic has repeatedly credited Pilić for laying the foundations of his career, describing him as a second father figure and a lifelong source of inspiration.
Tributes have poured in from across the tennis world. Djokovic, currently preparing for the end-of-season tournaments, expressed his grief in a brief statement: “Nikola was not only my mentor but also a guiding light in my life. I will always carry his lessons with me, on and off the court.”
The International Tennis Federation also paid homage, calling Pilić “a true pioneer of the modern game whose influence stretched far beyond his own playing days.”
Pilić’s life in tennis was not without controversy. He was at the center of the 1973 Wimbledon boycott, when 81 players withdrew in protest at his suspension by the Yugoslav Tennis Federation—a pivotal moment in tennis history that reshaped player power.
Yet it is his mentorship that defines his enduring impact. From Djokovic to countless juniors who passed through his academy, Pilić’s imprint on the sport will be felt for generations.
Nikola Pilić is survived by his family, and the tennis world now mourns the loss of a man who helped shape both the modern game and its greatest champion.
