US EditionTennis great Nikola Pilić, mentor to Novak Djokovic, dies at 86
Nikola Pilic led Germany to three Davis Cup titles and coached Croatia and Serbia to victories, mentoring Novak Djokovic and shaping tennis across Europe.
- Nikola Pilic, Croatia's tennis legend and mentor to Novak Djokovic, passed away at the age of 86 on September 22, 2025, as confirmed by the Croatian Tennis Association.
- Pilic was known for leading Germany to three Davis Cup titles between 1988 and 1993 and guiding Croatia to its first Davis Cup title in 2005.
- Pilic won the US Open in men's doubles in 1970 and was a French Open finalist in 1973, achieving 15 titles during his tennis career.
- Djokovic labeled Pilic his 'tennis father,' stating that his time in Pilic's academy significantly influenced his game and career.
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He also had a great career as a coach, working with Goran Ivanisevic, Michael Stich and Boris Becker.
Niki Pilic is dead, he died at the age of 86. German tennis also mourns the Croats, including legend Boris Becker.
Niki Pilić shaped German tennis, and three times he won the Daviscup as team leader. Boris Becker and Michael Stich mediated him to Olympic gold, for Novak Djokovic he was a mentor.
Former player and coach Pilic dies aged 86
Former Croatian tennis player and coach Nikola Pilic, who led Germany to three Davis Cup titles and mentored 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, has died at the age of 86, his country's tennis association said on Tuesday.
The bad news, which directly affects the Serbian champion, was announced this Tuesday, 23 September.
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