This is the story of the man behind modern tennis. A man who only wanted to play and was the actor of the major changes in Tennis history over 6 decades.
This story is not only about Niki Pilic’s achievements as a player (US Open 1970) but his legacy as trainer of Boris Becker, Michael Stich, Ivan Ljubicic, Goran Ivanisevic and many others… and of course his biggest descendants, the best player of all times, Novak Djokovic.
Niki Pilic is the unique Davis Cup captain who won 5 Davis Cup with 3 different countries, Germany, Croatia and Serbia. Based on the original script by award winning director Zeljko Mirkovic and producer Vladimir Gasic, The Legend reveals you the never-told story of a man who dedicated his whole life to tennis, from the day he bargained, as a kid, his bicycle for a broken racquet until today where he still trains future champions, every single day of the year.
Nikola Pilić – The Legend is a documentary project whose post-production phase posed one of the most complex challenges—shaping and articulating over 60 interviews with key figures from the life and illustrious career of Nikola “Niki” Pilić.
These interviews, conducted with former players, coaches, journalists, and close associates, offered a wealth of material—more than 100 hours of raw footage—painstakingly reviewed, processed, and selected under the close guidance of the director and screenwriter.
The result is a uniquely crafted dramatic structure, enriched with carefully chosen archival material that does more than support the narrative—it elevates it.
The archival footage weaves through the storyline, providing emotional depth and historical context, creating a layered viewing experience that goes beyond a traditional sports documentary.
One of the major technical challenges was harmonizing footage shot over several decades, using different professional cameras and recording formats.
This required meticulous visual balancing to ensure a consistent aesthetic throughout the film. The color grading process was particularly delicate, as it had to unify visual material that spanned eras, formats, and conditions.
Adding to the film’s visual identity is the subtle use of animated elements. These minimalist animations serve a dual purpose: they bridge chapters, offering smooth narrative transitions, and they introduce a distinctive visual language that reflects the tone and rhythm of the storytelling. These editorial choices were not only technical solutions, but also artistic decisions that contribute to the film’s signature style.
In the end, Nikola Pilić – The Legend is not just a tribute to a tennis icon—it is a carefully constructed cinematic journey through the history of the sport, told by those who lived it and shaped by a creative team dedicated to preserving its authenticity and emotional power.
The release of Nikola Pilić – The Legend left a powerful and lasting impression on both audiences and critics alike. More than just a documentary about a legendary tennis figure, the film resonated deeply with viewers by capturing the essence of a man whose influence extended far beyond the tennis court.
Audiences praised the film for its emotional depth, compelling storytelling, and respectful portrayal of one of the most important figures in the history of European and world tennis. Through personal testimonies, rare archival footage, and a thoughtfully composed narrative, the film shed new light on Nikola Pilić’s remarkable journey—from a top-tier player to one of the most successful and respected tennis coaches of all time.
Critics highlighted the film’s ability to balance biographical storytelling with broader themes of perseverance, leadership, and legacy. Its detailed portrayal of key moments in Pilić’s career—such as his role in developing world-class talents and leading multiple national teams to Davis Cup victories—offered inspiration not only to sports enthusiasts but also to a wider audience interested in stories of excellence, mentorship, and integrity.
The film has sparked renewed appreciation for Pilić’s contribution to the global tennis community and has served as an educational and motivational piece for younger generations of athletes and coaches. It stands as a significant cultural and historical record—one that preserves the legacy of a man whose name is etched into the very fabric of modern tennis.
