Archive · 23 Sep 2025
Tennis Legend Nikola Pilic Dies at 87
Nikola Pilic, a famous tennis player and coach, has died at 87 years old.
He was known as the 'tennis dad' of Novak Djokovic and coached Djokovic from a young age.
Pilic also coached three different countries to Davis Cup victories, including Croatia.
As a player, he reached the French Open final and won the US Open doubles title.
Nikola Pilic, a Croatian tennis legend, has died at 87.
He was known as the 'tennis dad' of Novak Djokovic.
Pilic coached Djokovic from a young age.
He coached three different countries to Davis Cup titles.
Pilic reached the French Open final in 1973.
- Who
- Nikola Pilic, a Croatian tennis player and coach.
- What
- Passed away at the age of 87.
- When
- Monday.
- Where
- Opatija, Croatia.
- Why
- He had an influential career as a player and coach.
Player Perspective
Coaching Impact
Pilic's playing career
Player Perspective
Pilic was a strong player, reaching a career-high ranking of sixth and the 1973 French Open final.
Coaching Impact
Pilic's true legacy is as a coach, having mentored multiple Grand Slam champions and leading various nations to Davis Cup titles.
- Name
- Nikola Pilic
- Age at Death
- 87
- Nationality
- Croatian
- Key Achievement
- Coached three nations to Davis Cup titles
- Notable Students
- Novak Djokovic, Boris Becker, Goran Ivanisevic, Michael Stich
- Major Singles Final
- French Open (1973)
