Davis Cup: A tribute paid to Nikola Pilic, Djokovic and former stars present at the ceremony

On the court in Bologna, the emotion was palpable. Djokovic, Troicki, Becker, and Ljubicic joined their voices to honor the memory of Nikola Pilic, the man who shaped their careers and marked the history of European tennis.

By Jules Hypolite

le 19/11/2025 à 22h11

Becker Djokovic Ljubicic Pilic Troicki

On September 23, Nikola Pilic, former player and Croatian tennis legend, passed away at the age of 87.

He, a finalist at Roland-Garros in 1973, notably impacted Novak Djokovic's life, becoming the Serb's mentor when the latter was just a teenager.

Pilic also led Serbia to its first Davis Cup in 2010, defeating France in a heated final in Belgrade.

A strong tribute was paid to this iconic tennis figure during the second day of the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna.

Novak Djokovic spoke to honor his memory, alongside his former Davis Cup partner Viktor Troicki. Boris Becker, a two-time winner of the Silver Salad Bowl in 1988 and 1989 under Pilic's guidance, as well as Ivan Ljubicic, who triumphed with Croatia in 2005, were also present to attend the ceremony.