Nikola Pilic Passes Away Aged 86 – All About Novak Djokovic’s Relationship With ‘Tennis Father’

The tennis world is mourning the loss of Nikola Pilic, a true giant of the sport, who passed away at the age of 86. While casual fans may remember him as a former French Open finalist and an influential coach, to Novak Djokovic he was far more than that—he was a mentor, a guiding hand, and someone Djokovic has often referred to as a “tennis father.”

Pilic’s career as a player was remarkable in its own right. He competed during the 1960s and 70s, reaching the 1973 Roland Garros final, and playing a key role in Yugoslavia’s Davis Cup campaigns. But his greatest contribution arguably came after his playing days, when he built one of the most influential tennis academies in Europe, based in Munich. This academy became a breeding ground for champions—and at its heart was a young boy from Belgrade, Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic’s family sent him to Pilic’s academy at just 12 years old, a bold move for a child from war-torn Serbia. It was there that Novak’s raw talent began to take shape under the guidance of Pilic and his coaching team. Pilic provided not just technical training, but also a structure, discipline, and environment where Djokovic could develop into a complete athlete. Without this foundation, Djokovic himself has admitted, his rise to 24 Grand Slam titles might never have been possible.

Over the years, Djokovic has spoken warmly about Pilic, crediting him as one of the most important figures in his life. At key moments of his career, he has expressed gratitude for the man who gave him a chance when opportunities were scarce. For Djokovic, Pilic was not just a coach, but a mentor who believed in him before the world did.

Pilic’s influence wasn’t limited to Djokovic alone. His academy shaped the careers of many successful players, and his coaching expertise extended to national teams. He captained Croatia, Germany, and Serbia in Davis Cup, famously leading Serbia, with Djokovic at the helm, to their historic 2010 triumph. That victory was a full-circle moment—student and mentor celebrating one of the nation’s proudest sporting achievements together.

Now, as the tennis community reflects on Pilic’s passing, Djokovic faces the loss of someone who helped shape not only his game but his character. Their relationship was proof of how deeply a mentor can impact an athlete’s journey, far beyond trophies and titles.

Nikola Pilic leaves behind a legacy that stretches across generations of tennis. For Novak Djokovic, it’s personal—he didn’t just lose a mentor, he lost family. And in every match Djokovic plays going forward, a piece of Pilic’s influence will still be present, woven into the DNA of one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.