Nikola Pilic famous as Novak Djokovic’ tennis father dies at 86

Croatian tennis coach and former player Nikola Pilic, who famously trained Novak Djokovic and led three different nations to Davis Cup victories, has died at age 86, the Croatian Tennis Association confirmed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Pilic, who reached the French Open final as a player in 1973 before becoming one of the sport's most influential coaches, passed away in Rijeka, Croatia.

The Croatian association hailed him as "one of the greatest players and coaches that the country has ever had."

The coaching legend's career spanned decades and borders, most notably captaining Germany to three Davis Cup titles between 1988 and 1993 before guiding Croatia to its first championship in 2005 and serving as a consultant for Serbia's 2010 victory.

Top player Munich-based academy produced several champions, including Djokovic, who joined at age 12 and later described Pilic as his tennis father.

Djokovic wrote in a 2018 tribute: "Niki is one of the most important tennis and life mentors I've ever had. My time spent in his academy has greatly impacted my game and career."

Professional tennis player’s 1973 suspension from Wimbledon for missing a Davis Cup tie sparked a player boycott that led to the formation of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), which now governs men's professional tennis worldwide.

In addition to that, Pilic achieved a world No. 12 ranking, won nine singles titles, and claimed the 1970 US Open doubles championship.

Upon retiring in 1978, tennis star transitioned to coaching, developing champions including Boris Becker, Michael Stich, and Goran Ivanisevic alongside Djokovic.