LONDON — The tennis world was united in grief this week following the tragic death of former Wimbledon star and coach Jelena Genčić in a car accident in Belgrade, Serbia. The 82-year-old, a revered figure who played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of sporting legends, passed away on Tuesday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the globe. Among the most poignant was that of Novak Djokovic, who broke down in tears while honoring the woman he called his “second mother” and “tennis mother.”
Genčić’s life was one of extraordinary breadth and influence. A former professional tennis and handball player for Yugoslavia, she transitioned into coaching, where her keen eye for talent proved legendary. She is credited with discovering and providing the foundational coaching for three icons: Novak Djokovic in tennis, Monica Seles in tennis, and Ana Ivanović in tennis. Her passing marks the end of an era for Serbian sport, leaving a void that transcends the baseline of a tennis court.
A Mentor and a Mother Figure
For Novak Djokovic, the loss is profoundly personal. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was just six years old when Genčić first saw him playing at a mountain resort and immediately recognized his potential. She became his first serious coach, instilling in him not only technique but also a deep love for the game’s classical traditions. Speaking to Serbian media from the Roland Garros tournament in Paris, an emotional Djokovic shared, “She taught me so many things in life. I am forever grateful for her presence in my life.”
He detailed how she introduced him to the music of Beethoven and Mozart, taught him poetry, and emphasized the importance of education and manners alongside athletic discipline. “She was my first coach, my mentor, and my second mother. Everything I have done in tennis, I owe to her,” he said, visibly struggling to compose himself. The bond was so strong that Djokovic’s family entrusted her with his early development, a decision that would alter the course of tennis history.
The Architect of Champions
Jelena Genčić’s legacy is built on an unparalleled record of identifying genius. Her coaching philosophy was holistic, focusing on character as much as forehands. Her most famous protégés include:
- Novak Djokovic: She coached him from age 6 to 12, laying the technical and mental groundwork for his future dominance.
- Monica Seles: As a young girl, Seles was brought to Genčić, who immediately saw her ferocious potential and recommended she move to Nick Bollettieri’s academy in the United States for further development.
- Ana Ivanović: Genčić provided Ivanović with her foundational training, setting her on the path to becoming a French Open champion and world No. 1.
Beyond this legendary trio, she coached numerous other top Yugoslav and Serbian players and was a respected television commentator. Her impact was recognized with Serbia’s highest sporting honors. Fellow Wimbledon champion Boris Becker paid tribute on social media, calling her “a pioneer for our sport and a true legend.”
A Life of Art and Sport
What set Genčić apart was her diverse background. Before dedicating herself to coaching, she was a national-level handball player and a talented classical pianist. She often spoke of the connection between music, rhythm, and athletic movement. This artistic sensibility informed her coaching style, making her a unique and nurturing force. She believed champions were cultivated, not manufactured, focusing on fostering intelligence, creativity, and resilience in her young charges.
Her death occurred in a collision in New Belgrade. According to local reports, the vehicle she was traveling in was struck by another car. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries. The news sent shockwaves through the tight-knit tennis community, with tributes flooding in from former players, coaches, and federations. The Tennis Association of Serbia stated, “Her contribution to Serbian tennis is immeasurable. She was our guiding light and our greatest teacher.”
A Global Outpouring of Grief
The international tennis world quickly echoed the sentiments from Serbia. The All England Lawn Tennis Club, home of Wimbledon, where Genčić competed as a player in the 1960s, released a statement honoring her “immense contribution to the game as a player, coach, and inspirational figure.” Monica Seles, who remained close to Genčić throughout her life, posted a heartfelt message recalling her “kindness, wisdom, and unwavering belief” in a young girl with a big dream.
For Djokovic, the timing of the loss, during the intense competition of a Grand Slam, adds another layer of emotional complexity. He has often spoken of carrying the hopes and lessons of his mentors onto the court. In his tribute, he vowed to play in her honor, stating, “I will try to channel all the beautiful memories and lessons she gave me into strength here in Paris.” This sentiment reflects the profound personal legacy Genčić leaves behind—one measured not just in trophies, but in the indelible mark she left on the hearts of champions.
As the tennis community mourns, the story of Jelena Genčić serves as a powerful reminder of the often-unseen architects behind sporting greatness. Her life was a testament to the power of mentorship, the importance of a holistic education in sport, and the enduring impact one individual can have on multiple generations. She was more than a coach; she was a cultivator of destiny, whose influence will resonate every time a Serbian player steps onto the hallowed turf of Wimbledon or any court around the world.
In concluding his emotional farewell, Djokovic perhaps summed it up best, his voice thick with emotion: “She was a rare person, a genius in recognizing talent and a beautiful soul who dedicated her life to others. Tennis has lost a piece of its heart, and I have lost a piece of mine. *Hvala ti za sve, Jelena.*” – “Thank you for everything, Jelena.” Her memory will undoubtedly continue to inspire, a quiet, formidable presence in the foundation of the sport she loved so deeply.