Nikola Pilic, The 'Tennis Father' Of 24-Time Grand Slam Champion Novak Djokovic, Dies Aged 87

Legendary Croatian tennis player Nikola Pilic has passed away at the age of 87. The Croatian Tennis Association has confirmed the unfortunate news with an official statement. Pilic is also known as the ‘Tennis Dad’ of the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic.

Over the years, Nikola Pilic made significant contributions to the game. From being an active competitor and leading the side to coaching players and the national teams, Pilic's contributions have been commendable over the years.

Legendary Tennis Player Nikola Pilic Passes Away At 87 

Nikola Pilic revolutionised his career once he turned into a coach. He has been one of the earliest coaches of the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic. The Serbian tennis superstar had joined Pilic's academy at the age of 12, and he became one of the most influential personalities of his career.

Novak Djokovic has described Pilic as his "tennis father," in one of his Instagram posts, which dates back to 2018. 

Apart from Djokovic, Nikola Pilic has also mentored tennis superstars like Boris Becker, Goran Ivanisevic and Michael Stich.

The Croatian Tennis Association has confirmed that the Croatian tennis player passed away on Monday.

"The legendary Nikola Pilić passed away in Opatija on Monday at the age of 87. One of the greatest players and coaches that Croatian tennis has ever had, he was also remembered as the coach who led Croatia to its first Davis Cup title in 2005," the statement from the association mentioned.

Also Read: Move Over Novak Djokovic! Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner's Biggest Threat at Grand Slams in 2026 Revealed by Ex-World No. 2

Nikola Pilic: A Storied Career as Player and Coach

Born on August 27, 1939, in Split, Nikola Pilic has had a career-high sixth-place ranking and also featured in the final of the men's singles final at Roland Garros in 1973. The Croatian tennis player won the US Open doubles title in 1970 and was also a part of the Wimbledon doubles final in 1962.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer - Rafael Nadal Reveals Who Was Tougher Opponent

As a coach, Nikola Pilic has helped Croatia, Serbia and Germany to win Davis Cup titles. He became the only coach to lead three different countries to Davis Cup titles.

The Croatian Tennis Federation conferred a Lifetime Achievement Award to Nikola Pikic in 2019. He has also received the Franjo Bučar State Award.