13 Aug Welcome to my blog
Hi, I’ Nikola, but unless you’re my mom, you can call me Nick.
“Tennis will open the doors of the world for you,” my father told me when I was a boy.
I didn’t fully believe him — until I saw those doors swing open, one by one. From courts in small towns to Grand Slam stadiums, from early-morning drills to deep conversations with players, coaches, and parents across the globe.
I was born and raised in Croatia, and I still live here, with my wife Petra and our family.
I also travel a lot. Every place I visited, every experience I had, stretched my perspective.
It changed how I see the world — and I feel lucky for that.
Tennis has been the thread running through most of my life. I’ve spent more hours on or around the court than I can count. It gave me more than I ever expected — perspective, discipline, friendships, health, a career path. But it also took things. It pulled me away from moments I’ll never get back. That’s the trade-off when you give yourself to something fully.
Why This Blog?
I’ve loved writing since I was a kid. Sometimes just for myself — but I believe stories truly come alive when they’re shared.
That’s why I’m here: to share what I’ve seen, what I’ve learned, and what I’m still figuring out.
This blog is a space where I’ll reflect on tennis — not just as a game, but as a journey. A way of life. A teacher. I’m interested in the big picture: what really shapes a tennis player?
It’s not just forehands and footwork. It’s how we handle pressure. How we think. How we rest. Who’s around us. What we believe about ourselves.
Someone once said, “Tennis is a mental game. Everyone is fit and everyone hits great forehands and backhands.” I don’t fully agree — some players really do hit differently — but I understand the point. After 25 years as a player and coach, I’ve learned that greatness is rarely about just one thing. It’s about many small things, repeated with care and intention.
Beyond Tennis
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about time — how fast it moves, how easily it slips away. That reflection is pushing me to be more present. To act with purpose. To create more. To waste less.
So this blog isn’t just about tennis. It’s also about life — effort, values, mistakes, clarity. And the strange beauty of not having all the answers.
Let’s Begin
If you’re a coach, a player, a parent, or just someone curious about what lies behind the game — you have come to the right place.
If anything I write resonates with you, I’d love for you to stay along for the ride.
– Nick