Novak Djokovic mourns his “tennis father” with deep affection

A helping hand amid war, a guiding light in adversity, a tennis father-son bond transcending bloodlines, etched in golden letters across the pages of time.

“Today, after finishing my training on the court, I received this heartbreaking news. A wave of emptiness and sorrow instantly overwhelmed me,” Djokovic shared on his social media. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had just lost the man he called his “tennis father” — Croatian tennis legend Nikola Pilić.

Pilić peacefully passed away this Monday at the age of 87. Upon hearing the news, the tennis world fell into mourning, and Djokovic’s heartfelt tribute revealed a little-known yet pivotal mentor-student relationship between them.

In his tribute, Djokovic reflected on those difficult times. In the 1990s, war ravaged Yugoslavia, and the tennis dreams of young Serbian Djokovic seemed out of reach: “My parents and brothers always regarded you as family. When nearly everyone else abandoned us and our homeland was devastated by bombings, it was you and Mia who extended a helping hand, doing everything possible to let me and my brothers continue chasing our dreams.”

In 1999, through the recommendation of Djokovic’s first coach Jelena Genčić, 12-year-old Novak was sent to Pilić’s tennis academy in Munich. This was not just an opportunity for training but a lifeline at a critical moment in his young tennis career: “You and your wonderful wife Mia treated me like one of your own, a kindness I will forever cherish.”

Under Pilić’s guidance, Djokovic’s skills were systematically refined. Pilić was not only an outstanding coach but also a former player who was the 1968 French Open finalist and led the German team to win the 1988 Davis Cup. His professional insight recognized Djokovic’s unique qualities early on. “At 12 years old, Novak showed remarkable focus and a fierce will to win,” Pilić wrote in his memoirs. “He possessed a natural champion’s spirit.”

Djokovic specifically mentioned this debt of gratitude beyond technical coaching in his tribute: “Your impact on my growth as a person and as a tennis player is forever engraved in my heart.”

Djokovic used the most intimate title to express their special bond. “But to me, the greatest honor is proudly calling you ‘my tennis father — Mr. Niko.’” This title carries deep emotion. Throughout Djokovic’s development, Pilić provided not only professional training but also fatherly guidance in life. “In this moment of grief and mixed emotions, your charisma and our shared memories continue to fill my heart with joy and gratitude.”

Pilić’s tennis legacy extends far beyond nurturing a legendary player. As a player, coach, and selector, his achievements spanned the Balkans and the global tennis community: “Your spiritual legacy will endure, and future generations will honor your character and accomplishments with the highest respect,” Djokovic wrote. “All your achievements as a player, coach, and selector are inscribed in golden letters in the history of Balkan and world tennis.”

The Croatian Tennis Association, in its obituary, acknowledged Pilić’s tremendous contributions to tennis, especially his efforts to unify tennis resources across the Balkan region.

Djokovic concluded his tribute with the words: “Rest in peace,” silently expressing the pain of losing someone like family.

In Djokovic’s illustrious career, Genčić was the spark for his tennis dreams, while Pilić was the guide who sheltered him amid the chaos of war. This father-son tennis relationship, transcending nationality and blood, has become one of the most touching chapters in tennis history. (Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei)