Novak Djokovic mourning as ‘tennis father’ Nikola Pilic dies aged 86

Croatian tennis great Nikola Pilic, who trained Novak Djokovic in his academy and led the Serbian star to Davis Cup glory, has died.

He was 86.

The Croatian Tennis Association said Pilic died on Monday.

Pilic was a French Open singles runner-up in 1973 and the catalyst for the Wimbledon boycott that year.

Yugoslavia tennis officials accused Pilic of refusing to play a Davis Cup tie against New Zealand.

He denied it but was still suspended. The International Lawn Tennis Federation (now the ITF) supported the Yugoslav decision but reduced his suspension to one month — but that included Wimbledon.

Because Pilic was supported by the new Association of Tennis Professionals, 12 of the 16 top seeds and a total of 81 players boycotted Wimbledon.

Pilic was already a star when tennis turned fully professional in 1968.

When US businessman Lamar Hunt backed a new professional tour called World Championship Tennis, the likes of Pilic, John Newcombe and Tony Roche were the first eight men’s players signed — called the Handsome Eight.

He later played a prominent role as a tennis coach, becoming the first coach to lead three countries (Germany, Croatia and Serbia) to Davis Cup titles.

His protege Djokovic claimed two singles victories in the 2010 final before Viktor Troicki sealed the Davis Cup title in the fifth and final rubber.

Djokovic and Pilic remained in touch.

Pilic spoke at the presentations after Djokovic lost the 2022 Serbia Open final, while the pair reunited in 2024 for a screening of a documentary on the Croatian great’s career.

After crossing paths in 2018 Djokovic paid tribute to Pilic, describing him as “my tennis father, my mentor”.

“He and his wife Mija accepted (coach) Jelena Gencicf’s request for me to come to his academy in Germany when I was 12 years old even though he usually did not accept players under 14,” the 24-time grand slam champion wrote at the time.

“He had one of the best European tennis academies at the time. Mija and Niki treated me as their own child and did the same for my two younger brothers. My family will always remember that.

“Niki is 80 this year and he still plays tennis four hours a day. His mindset is remarkable. He is healthy and super passionate about tennis — court is his home.

“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 (Germany, Croatia, Serbia).

“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. I am eternally grateful Mija and Niki for everything you have done for me and my family.”