The tennis world is in mourning following the recent passing of Nikola Pilic, a towering figure in the sport whose influence stretched from the courts of the 1970s to the coaching benches of global champions. the news has deeply affected many,none more so than Novak Djokovic,who took to social media to share his profound grief and pay a heartfelt tribute to the man he affectionately called his “tennis father.”

Djokovic, a record-holding 24-time Grand Slam champion, described the news as bringing a sense of “emptiness and sadness,” but this was quickly tempered by a flood of “joy and gratitude” as he recalled shared moments and Pilic’s indelible impact on his life and career. Your image and memories of our shared moments fill me with joy and gratitude, the Serbian superstar wrote,underscoring the deep personal connection they shared.

Pilic’s legacy is undeniably monumental. His contributions to tennis are etched in the annals of the sport, not just as a formidable player in his own right during the 1970s, but as a visionary coach who guided numerous nations to Davis Cup glory. His coaching prowess saw him led Germany to victory in 1988, 1989, and 1993, followed by triumphs with Croatia in 2005 and Serbia in 2010. These achievements alone cement his status as a titan of the game.

Your legacy will last for a long time and generations will remember your character and exploits with grate admiration, Djokovic stated. All your achievements as a player, coach and mentor are writings with gold letters in the history of sport of the Balkans and World tennis. This sentiment echoes the widespread respect Pilic commanded across the international tennis community.

For djokovic, though, the professional accolades pale in comparison to the personal bond. For me, though, the most critically important thing is that I can call you proudly ‘Sjor Niko, my tennis father’, he concluded, a deeply personal declaration that speaks volumes about Pilic’s role beyond the technical aspects of the game. Rest in peace 🙏

Dear Sjor Niko,

I received sad news today while I was on the field, finishing my training. The feeling of emptiness and sadness was overwhelmed by me. I hope you felt how much you meant to me in my career and life. your impact on my growth as a man and the tennis player remains indelible. pic.twitter.com/2qWka1Z369

— Novak Djokovic (@djokernole) September 24, 2025