Former Croatian tennis participant and coach Nikola Pilic. — Reuters/File
Croatian tennis legend Nikola Pilic, who captained a number of Davis Cup-winning sides and was an early mentor to Novak Djokovic, has died on the age of 87, the nation’s tennis affiliation introduced on Tuesday.
“One of the greatest players and coaches Croatian tennis has ever had,” died on Monday within the western Croatian city of Opatija, the affiliation reported in a press release.
Pilic started his profession in Break up in 1953 and, simply 4 years later, was representing the Yugoslav youth nationwide group.
He went on to win the Yugoslav Championship 5 instances in singles (1962, 1963, 1964, 1966 and 1967), seven instances in doubles and as soon as in blended doubles.
Pilic’s biggest particular person achievement got here in 1973, when he reached the ultimate of the French Open, falling to Ilie Nastase.
He gained the US Open doubles title with Pierre Barthes three years earlier.
After retiring, Pilic loved a distinguished teaching profession, working with stars resembling Goran Ivanisevic, Michael Stich and Boris Becker.
He had a profound affect on 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, who referred to him as his “tennis dad”.
In 1999, Djokovic’s first coach, Jelena Gencic, despatched her protege to coach at Pilic’s academy in Munich, the place he additional developed his sport.
“Nikola Niki Pilic will be remembered as the only captain ever to lead three different nations to Davis Cup titles,” the Croatian Tennis Affiliation stated.
He guided Germany to victory in 1988, 1989 and 1993, Croatia in 2005, and Serbia in 2010.
The Croatian Tennis Affiliation honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, whereas in 2020, Serbia awarded him the Gold Medal of Advantage for his excellent contribution to sport.
