Nicola Pilic, the former Novak Djokovic coach and the only man who has the captain of three different nations of Davis Cup to praise, has passed away in 86. He reached a high ranking in the world’s No.12 career and played a single Grand Slam final in Roland-Garros in 1973.
He was a “eight handsome” member, the pioneer group that was important in the creation of WCT as the first organized tennis tour in the sixties.
Months after this achievement, the pilgrim was detained by Wimbledon when the Yugoslav tennis federation suspended him not to play a Davis Cup match against New Zagreb, Croatia.
Pilic’s ban, which was supported even though it diminished, led to Wimbledon’s ATP boycott that year.
ATP protested and passed the week before Wimbledon held 11th hour meetings and even bring Pilic’s case to the British High Court, seeking an order to remove the ban.
“It was a whole enigma of different interest in this sport.” Cliff Drysdale, who led the negotiations, recalls. “We decided we had to have a speech. We couldn’t be just dolls at the expense of all other tennis interests.”
Pilik passed into training after his game days took place in 1978. He brought Germany to three Davis Cup titles in 1988, 1989 and 1993, then instructed Croatia in a 2005 and Serbia title in 2010.
His partnership and tutelage of the sample 24 times Grand Slam only strengthens his already excellent heritage. Jelena Gencic brought Djokovic to train at the Pilic Academy when Serbian was only 12 years old.
Gjokovic calls a mentor a mentor and referred to him as “his tennis father”.
“He influenced me in many ways,” Djokovic once said. “From many perspectives and perspectives. Not only as a coach, but also as a man who fought for the rights of players and always stood up to correct injustice wherever he saw him. He really inspired me in many ways and I think we have to analyze his character more and deeply.
Monica Seles called Pilic “a legend, whose talent and sportsmanship inspired me and my father so much. His contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.”
Gjokovic got on Instagram to respond to the news.
“Your impact on my development as a person and a tennisan remains indelible. I feel eternally grateful to you and your wonderful wife who accepted me as your son when I was 12,” he wrote. “Your heritage will last for a long time and generations will look back on your character and deeds with great admiration.”
Pilic ran an Academy who also saw Goran Ivensvic, Michael Stich, Ernest Gulbis and Anastasija Sevastova adjust their skills.
His contributions were introduced at a price of life from Croatia in 2019 and the Serbian Golden Merit Medal in 2020.
