Nikola ‘Niki’ Pilic, a crucial figure in tennis history and the catalyst for the 1973 Wimbledon boycott, passed away on September 22 in Rijeka, Croatia, at the age of 86. Pilic’s contributions to the sport, spanning his career as a player, coach, and administrator, have left an indelible mark on tennis.
Born in Split, Croatia, on August 27, 1939, when it was still part of Yugoslavia, Pilic’s tennis journey began in the amateur era and smoothly transitioned into the professional landscape. He was a notable member of the “Handsome Eight,” a group of pioneering players who launched the World Championship Tennis (WCT) series in 1968 alongside other notable names like John Newcombe and Cliff Drysdale.
While Pilic never clinched a Grand Slam singles title, his records in men’s doubles are impressive. He reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 1967 and finished as the runner-up at the French Open in 1973. In doubles, he achieved significant success, reaching the final at Wimbledon in 1962 with Boro Jovanovic and winning the US Open in 1970 alongside Pierre Barthes. His doubles career included a quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open in 1970 with Newcombe.
As a captain, Pilic led the German Davis Cup team to victory in 1988, 1989, and 1993. He later guided the Croatian team to success in 2005 and played a key role in Serbia’s triumph in 2010 as part of their coaching staff. He was renowned for his coaching skills, working with tennis legends such as Boris Becker, Michael Stich, Goran Ivanisevic, and Novak Djokovic.
In a statement reflecting on Pilic’s impact, ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi expressed profound sadness over his passing, highlighting Pilic’s influence in various roles within the sport. He acknowledged Pilic as a pivotal figure whose legacy significantly shaped the history of the ATP and the sport overall.
Pilic’s most notable moment came during the 1973 Wimbledon championship when he faced a suspension from the Yugoslav Tennis Federation for declining to participate in a Davis Cup match. This led to a broader dispute that culminated in 81 players boycotting the tournament, pushing for player rights and autonomy in deciding their participation in events. This moment proved crucial in strengthening the ATP’s resolve to advocate for professional standards in tennis.
Revered figures of the sport recalled Pilic’s contributions with fondness. Stan Smith, a notable player and early ATP President, remarked on how Pilic’s actions prompted players to assert their rights to choose freely where and when to compete. As he reflected, “The boycott was never about the money. It was about Niki’s ability to play Wimbledon because he was qualified to play.”
Cliff Drysdale, another ATP founding member, remembered Pilic as a thoughtful and principled individual, noting his far-reaching insights and talents. He reiterated the significance of the Wimbledon boycott as a transformative moment for the organization.
Starting his career on the court at age 13, Pilic eventually transitioned into coaching and mentorship, founding a tennis academy in Oberschleißheim near Munich. He married Serbian actress Mija Adamovic in 1970, with whom he had two children, Daniljela and Niko. In 2020, he received the Golden Medal of Merits of the Republic of Serbia for his contributions to tennis.
Nikola Pilic’s legacy is one of passion, leadership, and a commitment to the rights of players—a reminder of how a single individual can effect monumental change in the landscape of sports. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will undoubtedly resonate in the world of tennis for years to come.
